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[182] if not, that they may be compensated by equivalent advantages.


A year later than the above correspondence, the subject was evidently revived on the part of the governing powers of the College, and we find the following letter from Professor Longfellow:—

Cambridge, Sept. 25, 1846.
dear Sir,—In answer to your favor of the 18th inst. requesting my opinion on certain points connected with the Studies of the University, I beg leave to state;

I. In regard to the ‘advantages and disadvantages of the Elective System.’ In my own department I have always been strongly in favor of this system. I have always thought that the modern languages should be among the voluntary or elective studies and form no part of the required Academic course. As to the Latin and Greek. I have many doubts; but incline rather to the old system, particularly if the fifth class can be added to the present course; for we could then secure the advantages of both systems.

II. The class examinations in my department are very slight and unsatisfactory. They serve however as a kind of Annual Report of


1 Harvard College Papers [Ms.], 2d ser. XIII. 13.

Boston and New York, Hougton, Mifflin and company, 1902.

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