be absent.  This gave such offence, that the scholars met in a body, under and about a great tree, to which they gave the name of the tree of liberty!  There they came into several resolves in favor of liberty; one of them, that the rule or order of the tutors was unconstitutional.  The windows of some of the tutors were broken soon after, by persons unknown.  Several of the scholars were suspected, and examined.  One of them falsely reported that he had been confined without victuals or drink, in order to compel him to a confession; and another declared, that he had seen him under this confinement.  This caused an attack upon the tutors, and brickbats were thrown into the room, where they had met together in the evening, through the windows.  Three or four of the rioters were discovered and expelled.  The three junior classes went to the President, and desired to give up their chambers, and to leave the college.  The fourth class, which was to remain but about three months, and then to be admitted to their degrees, applied to the President for a recommendation to the college in Connecticut, that they might be admitted there.  The Overseers of the College met on the occasion, and, by a vigorous exertion of the powers with which they were intrusted, strengthened the hands of the President and tutors, by confirming the expulsions, and declaring their resolution to support the subordinate government of the College; and the scholars were brought to a sense and acknowledgment of their fault, and a stop was put to the revolt.”—­Vol.  III. p. 187.

Some years after, this tree was either blown or cut down, and the name was transferred to another.  A few of the old inhabitants of Cambridge remember the stump of the former Liberty Tree, but all traces of it seem to have been removed before the year 1800.  The present Liberty Tree stands between Holden Chapel and Harvard Hall, to the west of Hollis.  As early as the year 1815 there were gatherings under its branches on Class Day, and it is probable that this was the case even at an earlier date.  At present it is customary for the members of the Senior Class, at the close of the exercises incident to Class Day, (the day on which the members of that class finish their collegiate studies, and retire to make preparations for the ensuing Commencement,) after cheering the buildings, to encircle this tree, and, with hands joined, to sing their favorite ballad, “Auld Lang Syne.”  They then run and dance around it, and afterwards cheer their own class, the other classes, and many of the College professors.  At parting, each takes a sprig or a flower from the beautiful wreath which is hung around the tree, and this is sacredly preserved as a last memento of the scenes and enjoyments of college life.

In the poem delivered before the Class of 1849, on their Class Day, occur the following beautiful stanzas in memory of departed classmates, in which reference is made to some of the customs mentioned above:—­