CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 15.--- Dr. John Hildreth Professor at the Harvard Medical School and Superintendent of the Boston City Hospital, declares that the ether habit is very prevalent in Boston and vicinity.

"I Personally know of a number of cases of young men who use the drug," he said. "They take it in their rooms, and as far as I know, they do not drink it, but inhale it, either by using a cone or by pouring a 1ittle on a handkerchief.

"I have heard of some who are advanced in the habit, though I cannot conceive of anybody wishing to drink ether, on account of its taste. There is always the chance, also, of a fatal overdose."