DARTMOUTH VACATIONISTS TRAVEL IN FRANCE

Learning the French language at first hand from the natives of that country far surpasses the dry text-book and recitation method, according to some two score Dartmouth undergraduates who spent their summer vacation touring Europe and, more particularly, France. In small groups and in one large party, the latter headed by a former lecturer here, George Raffalovich, Dartmouth men swarmed every nook and cranny of Paris, Monte Carlo, and other famous cities.

The trip was planned to be a combination of education and recreation. More important points recommended to tourists by guides and guide books were touched, but emphasis was placed throughout upon viewing the real life of the country, rather than the sections manufactured for the benefit of American travellers.

An auspicious start was made from Montreal, June 12, the trip to Havre occupying 13 days. At Havre, bicycles were purchased for the party and the tour began through Normandy. A stop was made at the chateau of Due de Taborin, an uncle of M. Raffalovich. From Rennes to Paris, the journey was made by train.

During their stay in Paris, the party were the guests of Edward Tuck at one of his summer homes, near Versailles. Another day was given over to a Dartmouth reunion at the Grand Cafe, at which a number of alumni were present. A 10-day trip through the battle-scarred areas, a jaunt to Strassburg, and other side-journeys occupied the remainder of the summer.

This was the schedule of the Raffalovich group. While this party was making its trips along the highways of France, fully as many other Dartmouth men, in pairs and threes, were conducting tours of their own.