Harvard's Financial Condition.

A perusal of the annual statement of the treasurer of the College gives one a more vivid idea of the many ramifications of the University than almost anything else can. At the same time the vastness of the field for the use of new gifts is so evident that few things ought to have so much influence in persuading the rich to give out of their abundance as the treasurer's report.

Many interesting statistics may be gleaned from the statement, recently published, for the year ending July 31, 1890. The rate of income on investments, as compared with that of 1888-89, shows a loss of seventeen one hundredths of one per cent. This is due chiefly to permanent causes, such as the falling off in the general rate of interest. the total income for the year has been $851,080.84, excluding $162,225.49 received in sundry gifts for immediate use. The funds available for use during the year have thus been altogether $1,013,306.33. The total expenses were $1,028,654.65, or $15,348.32 in excess of the income. The gifts to form new funds or increase old ones have amounted to $277.282.03. The total amount given to the University during the year was thus $439,507.52. The total of the funds controlled by the Corporation on July 31, 1890 was$7,121,854.96, against $6,874,046.25 on August 1, 1889. This shows a total increase during the year of $247,808.71. The gifts forming new funds or increasing old ones amounted to $277,282.03, as aforesaid. The funds of the University, excluding the gifts to capital account, showed, therefore, a net decrease of $29,473.32.