Page:BairdsmanualofAmericancollegefrate8.pdf/900

6 It is impractical to print in connection with the articles about the different fraternities, a list of their officers. These officials are constantly changing, and a list accurate when the preface of the book is being printed, would be inaccurate in many cases at the time of the binding of the book. This has been so often suggested that it is a matter of regret to be obliged to omit it. But anyone desiring to address a fraternity can direct the letter to any one of its chapters and in most instances it will be promptly forwarded to the proper official.

It is impossible to print the coats of arms of the various fraternities, as has frequently been suggested. In order to prepare these in uniform style, they would have to be reengraved on steel or wood, and the cost is prohibitive. If photographs were made of them, the details would necessarily be obscured, and in the absence of an accurate knowledge concerning the esoteric work of each fraternity, it would be impossible to learn whether or not accompanying ornamental data should be omitted. Few of the coats of arms are designed to comply with the rules of heraldry and cannot be described technically with any accuracy. In addition, many of the coats of arms are copyrighted and permission to reproduce them could not be secured. It is hoped by the author that this statement will be considered a full answer to many inquiries made concerning the matter.

The wood cuts of the badges appearing throughout the book are in many cases unsatisfactory, but this is due in most instances to a failure to appreciate the exigencies of manufacture. It is necessary either to use wood cuts or half-tones and it is likewise necessary that a uniform style