Norcamphor and cyclopentanonorcamphor furnish isomeric lactams under conditions of the Schmidt reaction and Beckmann rearrangement respectively. Evidence is presented that the structure of the product of the acid catalyzed hydration of dicyclopentadiene is best represented by 2, 5-methanobicyclo [4.3. 0] non-7-en-3-o1 rather than by tricyclo [4.2. 2, O1. 6] dec-(2 or 3)-en-&ol.