I can readily see how a college graduate, just released from the recitation room, with lofty ideals of scholarship, and with really a vast amount of knowledge, might depreciate with a tone of contempt such a work as that of Dr. Wilkinson. I can see, too, how that smile of contempt from a scholar with local reputation might annoy and afflict less cultivated people belonging to a local circle who, devoted to an institution, are anxious that it and its text-books should receive the commendation of cultivated men. Just such commendation Dr. Wilkinson’s books have received. There may be now and then a slight tone of “chattiness.” There may be too frequent “forecasting of plan and purpose,” but on the whole the Professor’s work is admirably done, and has received the unqualified approval of our best students, men and women of the highest culture, eminent professors of Greek and Latin who fully understand and appreciate the aim of the author. I can assure my correspondent that there is nothing in Dr. Wilkinson’s books to cause the Circle or the books to be “ridiculed” by any true scholar. A recent university graduate, and I have no doubt a brilliant scholar, writes: “I wonder if it is safe to hint that, while the Chautauqua Idea is a noble and praiseworthy one, it is possible that the working out of the Idea may be defective?… When the members of the Circle read so faithfully the works prescribed, giving in many cases time that can ill be spared, it is but just that the very best should be given them to study, that alone will be of profit to the members, and help them to grow.” The same writer pleads for “vigorous supervision by scholars and authorities on the respective subjects as the only thing that will enable the Chautauqua Idea to be carried out in a way that will help, and make them better and stronger in thought and life.” This sentiment meets my heartiest approval. Indefatigably and conscientiously have the Superintendent of Instruction and the Counselors sought to do this very work for the readers who seek their direction. It would surprise our friends to examine our budget of criticisms _pro_ and _con_, from all classes of people; from public school teachers, college professors, ministers, post-graduates, classicists, scientists, so called “self-made men,” and people who, professing to know almost nothing, seek advice and offer counsel. We have diligently sought to profit by the things which have been said. Our readers must see the difficulties which encompass us; the wide diversity of opinion concerning certain books, and the impossibility of securing works which will receive universal approval.