again returned to the college yard, where, scattered in groups under the trees, the rest of the day was spent in singing, smoking, and drinking, or pretending to drink, punch; for the negroes who supplied it in pails usually contrived to take two or more glasses to every one glass that was drank by those for whom it was provided.  The dance around the Liberty Tree,
  “Each hand in comrade’s hand,”
closed the regular ceremonies of the day; but generally the greater part of the succeeding night was spent in feasting and hilarity.

The punch-drinking in the yard increased to such an extent, that it was considered by the government of the college as a matter which demanded their interference; and in the year 1842, on one of these occasions, an instructor having joined with the students in their revellings in the yard, the Faculty proposed that, instead of spending the afternoon in this manner, dancing should be introduced, which was accordingly done, with the approbation of both parties.

The observances of the day, which in a small way may be considered as a rival of Commencement, are at present as follows.  The Orator, Poet, Odist, Chaplain, and Marshals having been previously chosen, on the morning of Class Day the Seniors assemble in the yard, and, preceded by the band, walk in procession to one of the halls of the College, where a prayer is offered by the Class Chaplain.  They then proceed to the President’s house, and escort him to the Chapel where the following order is observed.  A prayer by one of the College officers is succeeded by the Oration, in which the transactions of the class from their entrance into College to the present time are reviewed with witty and appropriate remarks.  The Poem is then pronounced, followed by the Ode, which is sung by the whole class to the tune of “Fair Harvard.”  Music is performed at intervals by the band.  The class then withdraw to Harvard Hall, accompanied by their friends and invited guests, where a rich collation is provided.

After an interval of from one to two hours, the dancing commences in the yard.  Cotillons and the easier dances are here performed, but the sport closes in the hall with the Polka and other fashionable steps.  The Seniors again form, and make the circuit of the yard, cheering the buildings, great and small.  They then assemble under the Liberty Tree, around which with hands joined they run and dance, after singing the student’s adopted song, “Auld Lang Syne.”  At parting, each member takes a sprig or a flower from the beautiful “Wreath” which surrounds the “farewell tree,” which is sacredly treasured as a last memento of college scenes and enjoyments.  Thus close the exercises of the day, after which the class separate until Commencement.

The more marked events in the observance of Class Day have been graphically described by Grace Greenwood, in the accompanying paragraphs.

“The exercises on this occasion were to me most novel and interesting.  The graduating class of 1848 are a fine-looking set of young men certainly, and seem to promise that their country shall yet be greater and better for the manly energies, the talent and learning, with which they are just entering upon life.