The Freshman Nine.

About three weeks ago the candidates of the freshman nine began training. Over twenty men presented themselves as candidates for the team. Although this number is not more than one half as large as that which tried for last year's freshman nine, there are enough candidates to form a victorious team. But the outlook for a victory over Yale this year is very poor. The nine is not doing its duty either to its class or to its college. From twenty or more candidates at the beginning of January, the number has fallen off to less than the number requisite for a nine with its substitutes. The captain is notoriously negligent of his duties. The work required for training, consisting of hand-ball and exercises on the chest-weights and dumb bells, is gone through in a half-hearted, desultory fashion, which precludes the possibility of any good resulting there from. The captain himself, whose duty it is to be always present and to direct the gymnasium work, frequently absents himself. If he has not the time to undertake the task of overseeing the training, some other man ought to be appointed at once. Unless he has a larger number of good players than usual, his nine will far surpass the unenviable reputation gained by last year's nine, and will be a positive disgrace to the college. Such work as the nine has been doing lately is a mere waste of time, and may be as well be stopped immediately. The effects of such work are demoralizing and injurious to the members of the team. Appended is a list of the candidates now in training, together with the positions for which they are trying. Nearly all the men have played ball on the nines of their respective preparatory schools:-

The captain, Bates, is a candidate for the position of pitcher, for which he has had a little experience on nines in the neighborhood of Boston.

Knowlton of the medical school is a catcher of marked ability. He is eligible for the freshman nine; but it is doubtful if his work will permit of his playing. Luce, pitcher, is from Hopkinson's school, of Boston, and was connected with its nine for several years before his entrance to Harvard. He is a good man.

Wood was a member of the Technology nine of last year. He has played shortstop but is trying for second base. He is a fine fielder and base runner but is weak at the bat. He is a good acquisition of the team.

Nichols, third base, is from Hopkinson's, where he has had some experience.

Griffin was a member of the Adams Academy nine for several years. Position unknown.

Bumpus and Foley were also members of the same team, the former pitching while the latter played in the field.

Corning is a strong player; is from St. Paul's.

Morrill, left-field. His previous work is unknown.

Dean is thought to be a fair third base-man.

Fitzhugh considers himself able to fill any position but pitcher. He is from the Groton High School.

Crosby, a member of the St. Mark's nine for two years, is trying for the out-field.

There are a few others of less note about whose work we are ignorant.