THE ENROLLMENT.

Printed lists of numbers, such as the one which this morning summarizes-the vital statistics of the University, are apt to be dry reading. Unless one has detailed knowledge of the changes in organization that are constantly going forward, the gains and losses in particular departments carry little meaning.

The growth in numbers in all the graduate and professional schools is satisfactory evidence of the efficiency with which the work of these departments is now carried on. In the undergraduate departments a contrasting condition is apparent, for the loss in the Lawrence Scientific School comes within one of offsetting completely the gain in the College. For practical purposes the College is standing still, as far as its condition is reflected in its enrollment.

It is possible that Harvard has now reached its highest development in numbers. The rise of new institutions in states to the west limits expansion in that direction, and the eastern states with their settled populations offer no expectations of larger patronage. Whatever growth is seen in the future must of necessity be slow, and will be dependent rather on the slow, increase of population than on the drawing here of many students from new territory. The development of the College offers the most promising opportunity for growth in numbers.