THE annuals are so close upon us that we want to say a few words in regard to a suggestion which has been made concerning them. If a week could be left just before the beginning of the annuals, the cramming for that dreaded ordeal could be done with more profit as regards marks, and with more safety as regards health, than is possible now. Men will read over the work of the year just before examination, in spite of whatever may be said or done, and they will be forced to "cram" as long as the present system of work is maintained, or, in other words, as long as three weeks of examination cover the work of eight months. During this week, before his examinations began, the man who had worked during the year could do wonders, - working without interruption and completely master of his time; while the unfortunate ones on the "ragged edge" of conditions would have a chance for serviceable tutoring. As it is, examinations follow each other in such close succession, that the grinding required to pass them with any distinction is simply fearful.

Again, a week or ten days is perhaps left before some comparatively easy required or elective examination, and the reaction from excessive cramming ruins a man's pluck in keeping to his work, and he accomplishes little or nothing after it. Where the examinations are sandwiched in, the practical result is that life becomes "one demn'd horrid grind." This lapse of study would probably hurry the examinations, and some men would undoubtedly shirk, and work only after the week was over, but then the men benefited would be those who should be benefited, - high students and the good "middle men."