WE ASK FOR A SWIMMING POOL.

Although the swimming team started the season with championship aspirations, these have completely failed to materialize, and the team has actually been forced to cancel some meets. The team has been crippled by loss of material and by lack of proper facilities. If proper equipment had been provided, the loss of material probably would have been smaller and of less consequence.

The facilities which the team most needs are two: a salaried coach, and a pool in which to practice. Although two men have kindly loaned their services gratis, they have necessarily been irregular in their visits, and have found little opportunity to maintain proper discipline.

But the greatest need is a pool, not only for the team, but for hundreds of students. Through the efforts of Mr. E. H. Clark '96, a movement was started before mid-years to build a pool in the Union. Hoping to make practical use of the dormant gymnasium fund of $10,000, he sounded interested persons on the matter, and all favored the project. A Boston architect was consulted. Plans were drawn up for a regulation pool to fill the lower part of the Union. It was to be in Pompeiian style, to measure seventy-five by thirty feet, with over fourteen feet bead room; to be ventilated artificially; to have an artesian well, and a filtering system; and to seat five hundred spectators. The estimated cost was $16,000, and only $6,000 remained to be raised, provided the gymnasium fund could be secured.

When the plan was proposed to the authorities, everything was halted: one dissenting vote was cast. It was claimed that since the pool was to be below the surface of the ground and could not be reached by sunlight, it would be unsanitary. The facts, however, have been stated by Professor George Whipple and Mr. Melville C. Whipple, who have made a scientific study of swimming pools, and improved the Boston and Cambridge, Y. M. C. A. pools recently by their direction. They prove the contrary.

The chief points to be considered in the proposed pool as regards health are four: the presence of bacteria in the water, the clearness of the water, the psychological effect of lack of sunlight, and the ventilation.

Concerning bacteria in the water, proper precaution would be assured by the filter and artesian well system, with the use of copper sulphate. The copper sulphate is a small item, as about four pounds in solution in the pool would suffice. The situation of the pool and its lack of sunlight would not affect the presence of bacteria materially.

As regards the clearness of the water, it is found that sunlight does more harm than good. By supporting growth of vegetable matter in water, scientifically formed "algae," sunlight causes water to become discolored. The only possible evil from lack of sunlight would be a slight psychological effect on the swimmers. Considering that the lighting system would be complete, and that swimming meets are held generally at night, this objection is very slight. As regards ventilation, this would be adequately provided for by the fan method. And beside all essential equipment, the pool was to have two very modern appliances,--a surface spray system, and a suction cleaner for the bottom.

From these facts, it is hard to see how the proposed pool could be objected to on grounds of health. It is significant that Dr. Lee and Dr. Bailey approve of its installation, provided proper sanitary precautions are taken. It seems impossible for the University to have a new gymnasium. But cannot this pool, so badly needed and perfectly feasible, be granted to Harvard students?