As the time is drawing near for issuing the list of electives, a few words on the subject may not be amiss. There is no doubt that many men draw up their lists of electives hastily and injudiciously, but the fault must not be wholly laid at their doors. Some elect courses that merely strike their fancy, or make attempts at what are termed soft courses; but it must be considered that we know scarcely anything of the various electives beyond the subjects and the name of the instructor, and the choice in many instances is little more than a leap in the dark. To remedy this, we suggest that a pamphlet be published containing short accounts of the various courses, to be prepared by the different instructors.

This could be issued as complementary to the list of electives, or could supersede it. If, however, the expense would be an objection, the pamphlet could be put on sale at the bookstores, and we hardly think that the instructors would object to the very slight trouble of preparing such accounts. Last year, in two instances, instructors took the trouble to explain their courses to all who thought of electing them. This indicates that Faculty and students agree in this, that more information is needed in regard to electives, and it also shows that there is a willingness on the part of the Faculty to give this information as opportunity is given. In choosing our electives we are influenced too much by hearsay and report, and by the likes and dislikes that former classes have taken to instructors. If this pamphlet were issued we should elect courses instead of men. The prejudiced statements of men who have had the elective would be taken for what they are worth, and we should have a satisfactory description of the work done, apart from the amenities or human frailties of the instructors.