SOME four months ago, when it became certain that the crew which had so nobly acquitted itself in '77 and '78 had disbanded, Harvard and Harvard's friends were bitterly disappointed. An intercollegiate contest can excite but small interest unless each college is represented by its best men. However, we were not in a position to grumble. To find fault with men to whom we were under so many obligations would have been worse than ingratitude. We could only hope that some new and unexpected material would show itself, or still better, that the old crew might relent. New material did come forward, much of it very good; but there was a sad lack of weight. On the whole, the outlook for the '79 race was anything bur cheerful. Consequently last week, when the glad tidings were spread around that four of last year's men had gone into training, and that some eight hundred pounds avoirdupois had been added to the crew, there was a general sigh of relief. To these four men the thanks of the University are due. For three years they have given their time and energy to the crew, and have done much to place the Harvard boat in the high position she now enjoys. We are certain that the hopes and good wishes of the University are with them, and that she is quite content to leave the Harvard boat to them, to the new men, and to her efficient captain, satisfied that whatever position the boat will take in the next race, it will be no disgraceful one for the proud record of the Harvard oar.