The Freshman Elective System.

The system of giving the freshmen the option of choosing for themselves what courses they desire to pursue has now been under trial for nearly a year, and it would be well to look at some of the effects produced by it.

Contrary to the expectations of its opponent, it has not led to the pursual of the customary "soft snaps" by any means. One hundred men out of a class of two hundred and fifty abandoned mathematics, ninety-five Greek, and only sixty-five Latin. Very few abandoned all three. The courses mostly taken in preference to these were principally the Natural History courses, 3 and 4, Chemistry 1, and History 1 and 2. History 2 was the largest course in college this year, numbering 161 men, and the work done in it was very interesting, and covers a large amount of ground. Of these courses, which were embraced by a large body of the freshmen, only N. H. 4 could properly be called a soft course, while History 1 and Chemistry 1 were extremely difficult.

The work being of a character for the most part suited to each student's taste was, according to the instructors, in great contrast to former years' work. A higher standard of excellence was reached that could be possible under the prescribed system. where half a class was sullen or indifferent to the subject under discussion. In the Greek department the work has been especially gratifying, while the Latin, although also an improvement upon former years, was not quite so satisfactory The men who have undertaken the difficult history and scientific courses have also done themselves and their class credit.

The influence of the system exerts on the prescribed studies has been very marked. Owing to the small number of prescribed studies, the work in them has been done this year with unusual animation. In the German and English department especially, '88 has distinguished herself far more than any other class in college in its freshman year. As a popular instructor expressed it the other day,- "I have enjoyed teaching this class more this year than any other; the work has been much more spirited and intelligent."

The result of the mid year examination upon Chemistry this year was, to say the least, disastrous, but cannot be attributed to the elective system. The freshman transferred from Prof. Coke's easy marking to Mr. Huntington's rigid scrutiny, were conditioned by dozens.

This is the only course so far observed where the general work has been poor. The disadvantages arising from the system arose mostly from the hastiness with which the elective pamphlet was made out last year, and great care will be necessary in the future to guard against obscurity of wording in this important book. Many men this year took courses which they found too hard, or too easy, or directly the opposite of what they were led to expect. These dissatisfied men, together with the lazy, form the one objectionable side to the system as it now stands.

Altogether, the change can be pronounced a decided success; and the liberality of the men who engineered this great reform, and who are now striving to perfect it still more, is to be commended.