REFORMS.

FROM our fancied acquaintance with College matters, we have scarcely felt the important changes that have been going on during the last few years. It has been said, "experiments never go backward." As far as Harvard is concerned, few of the recent reforms have failed, hardly one having been abandoned. The substitution of the long vacation for several shorter and more rational ones, the perfecting of the elective system, with permission to anticipate the required studies, the privileges afforded to the Seniors of next year, - the last and most radical change, - these are the most popular, if not the most important reforms.

The long vacation allows all a season of entire rest, and, to those whose ability and interest lead them to enjoy travel, an opportunity for very extended tours. In July and August, of all the months of the year, even the most indefatigable "dig" feels a sensation of laziness stealing over him, as the mercury rises to figures as high as those he earned during the last term. In her vacations Harvard is truly blessed, both instructors and students enjoying a long cessation of hostilities.

It would certainly be beneficial, if a recess of two weeks could succeed the semiannuals; even if this time were taken from the long vacation, it would hardly be missed; and, as it is now, the long pull, from the short Christmas recess to the last of June, is perfectly killing to those who attempt to work with any pretence to thoroughness.

The gain from anticipating some of the required studies is very great. Many subjects, taken as a whole, are quite interesting, but become, when dealt out piecemeal, - ground out in two-page doses, - inexpressibly tedious! By a little study in the long vacation, one can easily anticipate one or more of the required courses, as a little work, if regular, does wonders, when the mind is free from the many engrossing attractions of college life. The time gained by this anticipation can be employed very profitably; for a man can give more time to some favorite elective, and become far more expert in science, or critical in the languages, without making a hermit of himself, with bolted door and closely drawn green curtains. Again, much more time is given for general reading, a branch of knowledge which most of us have shamefully neglected. Many have availed themselves of the chance to dispense with several of the required branches, and many more will probably do so next year.

The practical advantage of the most radical reform exists only in theory. Of course, any system allowing greater freedom is sure to find sturdy partisans; but the desirability of voluntary recitations has not yet been proved. What the effect of throwing open these Elysian fields may have on the "margin of cultivation" (to quote our amiable friend, Mrs. Fawcett) is uncertain; but a judicious use of the privilege will doubtless make the students' labor easier; a man may get through many subjects, with a recitation now and then, and perhaps get as high a per cent as now, by making use of some elaborate notes and one of Harpers' maturer Youth's Companions.

An objection to this plan is the apparent injustice to any Juniors and Sophomores who may elect Senior studies. Will not the absence of Seniors throw the work on the other classmen, and if a Junior or Sophomore has brains enough to carry a Senior elective, ought he not to have any privileges granted the men for whom the course was established?

Although these reforms are only experiments as yet, their advantages seem great enough, with certain modifications, to warrant their continuance, and to give strong argument in favor of the assertion, "experiments never go backward."

W. L. C.