1884-85.

It is probable that in the history of Harvard no year has been more marked for its truly progressive steps than the one now almost passed. Certainly in the memory of the present Harvard undergraduates there is no year which has been attended with so many additions and changes, which has made itself conspicuous for something more than those usual advances resulting from natural growth. If Harvard has been stepping but moderately forward in preceding years, she has been actually striding forward during the past year. It is therefore well worth while to look back over the year, which is now so nearly closed, and note the changes which have taken place.

The present freshman class has enjoyed the privilege and advantages of elective courses; and, what is more, no reasons have appeared to give the least evidence of the unsuccessful operation of the elective system as thus extended; while the evidences of its unquestionable success are by no means few. Again, in many of the departments of study there have been numerous improvements, either from the addition of courses or from changes in instructors, or from more systematic and energetic work on the part of former instructors. Perhaps the English Department illustrates this improvement as well as any. Still the departments of French, German, Political Economy, and History should not go unmentioned. No department can be said to have suffered recession. Advance has been the rule, while retrogradation has been unknown. Finally, with regard to the relations between faculty and students, the improvement has been very marked. A Faculty-Student Conference Committee has been established, and has already shown itself extremely successful. The need of co-operation was felt, and has partially been met, and the measures taken now give promise of perfect satisfaction to all in time to come.

The continued and increased success of the Memorial Hall Dining Association, the John Harvard statue, and the greater literary activity among the students and college papers afford a list of miscellaneous improvements which can only be mentioned here.

In the list of new buildings must be mentioned the Law School, (Austin Hall) and the Jefferson Physical Laboratory, both of which were occupied for the first time at the beginning of 1884-85. They are buildings unequalled by any of their kind in America, and have given great impetus to their respective departments, Law and Physics. The removal of the old Holmes house must not go without mention, although it necessitated the loss of an interesting old land mark, yet it was at the same time, at least in a modern sense, an improvement.

Lastly, but not of least importance, are Harvard's athletic records for 1884-85. Harvard has won three championships, those in lacrosse, general athletics, and base-ball. Each of these has come to Harvard from Harvard's own merit, and not because of weakness of opponents. It would seem, too, that the very impetus which these victories must give to Harvard teams, ought to bring victory a fourth time to Cambridge. At least the Harvard man may be well assured that the Crimson will not experience disgrace on the water. It is not likely that any one of the three races to be rowed will be won easily.

This in brief is Harvard's record for 1884-85. It is a record of which Harvard graduates and undergraduates may well be proud.