The vacant chair of Modern Languages was filled by the election of Mr. James A. Harrison, of New Orleans. This officer proved to be a valuable accession to the Faculty, and his success at Randolph-Macon was the prophecy of further success at Washington and Lee University, and the University of Virginia, where he is at this writing. In regard to the enterprise referred to at the last annual meeting, the Board adopted the following resolutions: "Whereas suitable halls for the literary societies of this College are imperatively necessary in the work of this institution; and whereas the Washington and Franklin Literary Societies have taken this enterprise in hand with commendable zeal and liberality: therefore, "_Resolved_, I. That we gratefully recognize the efforts of the young gentlemen in projecting and prosecuting this enterprise. "II. That we consider the success which has already attended their efforts as a gratifying evidence of the speedy completion of the work. "III. That we commend this enterprise and the young gentlemen engaged in it to the liberality of all the friends of this College and the cause of liberal education. "IV. That we pledge our hearty co-operation in this work in every way in our power." [Illustration: PROF. J. A. HARRISON, M. A., LL. D.] At the close of the college year ending June, 1872, the following items of interest were reported to the Board at the annual meeting: The Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad Company conveyed to the Board of Trustees a tract of land lying on the south of the line of said railroad, near what was called the Club House, containing about twenty acres, "on condition that the Trustees erect on the said land permanent college buildings within fifteen years after the date of conveyance, and that the deed shall contain the _prohibition of the sale of ardent spirits without the written consent of said company_." This was considered to have been a better location for college buildings than the first occupied, and the project might have been carried out but for want of means to erect the buildings. The Financial Agent further reported the need of additional college buildings on account of increased attendance of students. The number in attendance the past session was 167, being 25 more than any previous session at Ashland. Amount of fees, $7,652.30; amount remitted to privileged students, $6,182.50; amount received from the Virginia and Baltimore Conferences, $2,682.33. This was a gratifying result. Available assets, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $58,729 65 Assets not now available, . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24,603 67 Total, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $83,333 32 Liabilities, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23,216 49 Resolutions commending the Agent for his work were adopted, and pledging the support of the Board to him in his work.