THE efforts of Harvard in raising the value of her degrees seem to have met with the most gratifying success. It is already the custom for graduates to append the abbreviation Harv. to the honorary letters, in distinction from the degrees of which our numerous mushroom colleges are so lavish. There are at present in Cambridge twenty candidates for the degree of A. M., seventeen for the degree of Ph. D., and three for that of S. D.; and this number would doubtless be largely increased next year, were it not for the one blemish in the system which needs remark. By the present system candidates for degrees are required to stay in Cambridge for a fixed term of years after having been admitted to the degree of B. A. While fully recognizing the necessity of this requirement for graduates of other colleges, it seems to us that this necessity does not exist for those who have already passed four years in Cambridge. Many newly fledged graduates feel desirous of trying their wings abroad, and of rounding out their education by a course at some Continental university, where some branches of knowledge may undoubtedly be studied to more advantage than at Harvard. It seems to us very unfair that such should be refused degrees which are freely given to graduates of other colleges who have only spent one or two years in Cambridge. This restriction seems so inconsistent with the liberal spirit which so long has marked the management of our University, that we earnestly advocate its removal. Degrees should be conferred upon Harvard graduates who have studied abroad, on the sole condition of their passing the necessary examinations.

Since the above was written, we have received a circular containing information with regard to this very subject, in which we were most happy to find the following sentence: "In special cases the Academic Council is authorized to remit the requisition of residence at the University to Bachelors of Arts or Science of Harvard University." We learn from this circular that there will next year be twenty-four extra courses designed especially for Bachelors of Arts; all this to be in addition to the regular elective courses, which will still be open to graduates. There will also be evening readings from Homer, the Greek Drama, Virgil, the Roman Satirists, Dante, the French Drama, Cervantes, Schiller or Goethe, Chaucer, and Shakspere, which will be given throughout the year by Professors Palmer, Goodwin, Anderson, Everett, Greenough, Norton, Bocher, Lowell, Hedge, and Child. These readings being continued through four years, with change of books or plays in each year, will give a tolerably complete survey of the works of the great authors. Professor Paine will give illustrations of the great composers throughout the year. We said above that many-graduates wished to spend a term of study abroad; but, on looking at the embarras de richesses which is offered below, we think that our government, while granting graduates the liberty, may have taken away the desire. The circular mentioned above may be obtained by present Seniors at the Secretary's office.

Instruction for Bachelors of Arts. -Harvard College, 1875-76.

(These courses are open to graduates of all other colleges.)

1. Sanskrit. Ass't Prof. Greenough.

2. Exercises in Classical Philology. Ass't Professors Greenough and Anderson.

3. Pindar. Twice a week. Prof. Sophocles.

4. Greek. Prof. Goodwin will give such instruction as may be desired, two hours a week, in Plato, Aristotle, Thucydides, or the Attic Orators.

5. Latin Readings. Prof. Everett will meet graduates twice a week to extend their acquaintance with the Latin Historians and Poets.

6. Ethics. Some of Cicero's Ethical and Philosophical writings. Prof. Peabody.

7. Philosophy. Prof. Bowen will meet students of Philosophy once a week, and will also lecture on the History of Philosophy.

8. Diplomatic History and Public International Law. Three times a week. Prof. Torrey.

9. Early English Institutions. Ass't Prof. Adams.

10. Political Economy. Prof. Dunbar will meet graduates once a week for conference and instruction in Political Economy.

11. English. Prof. Child will meet graduates once a week for conference and instruction in such parts of English Literature as they may be studying.