In the Summer School at Alfred University the classes in ceramics occupy an important place. Enthusiastic devotion to their work characterizes the students, many of whom are teachers taking advanced courses. But the term ceramics has come to include much more than pottery. As developed at Alfred the course in Ceramic Engineering is designed to qualify men to occupy positions as superintendents, scientific experts, and ceramic chemists in the great plants devoted to the making of tiles, bricks, drain-pipes, etc., as well as in pottery works. The courses of study which lead to a degree in this department extend over a period of four years

THE MASTER POTTER-PROFESSOR CHARLES F. BINNS

Professor Binns, sometime President of the American Ceramic Society, is one of the leading authorities on ceramics in this country. A thorough master of the theory of pottery-making, he is also an expert craftsman, and takes delight in demonstrating to his classes in the School of Ceramics the practical methods of the artist potter. He was born in England and was for many years connected with the Royal Porcelain Works of Worcester. His lectures to his students are notable for thorough grasp of the science, technology, and art associated with clay-working in all its branches

Alfred's "back yards" are so spacious that some of them amount to small farms.

Professor Place, who obligingly posed for his portrait while at work in his big back yard, is seen with a contrivance made by himself for carrying berries. He conducts Alfred's classes in nature study and biology

Most of Alfred's people seem to have received the impress of its University-they are gentle, kindly, and well spoken, with a suggestion of "difference" perhaps due to the observance of Saturday as the "Sabbath." On that day the stores are all closed, secular activities being resumed on Sunday. The University, however, observes both holy days. Even the small children know the distinction between the days. "Do you go to Sunday school?" a visitor asked a little boy. "No, sir," was the prompt reply: "I go to Sabbath school." The University has spread a circle of influence throughout the region in which it is situated that surprises and pleases the sojourner who comes to Alfred for a summer holiday