That a journal of the importance and influence of the Nation should express its condemnation of the present elective system of studies is a matter of concern to all the friends of Harvard. The editor of the Nation believes that an unrestrained and perfectly free elective system is unwise, just as much as an iron-bound and unyeilding system of prescribed studies is unwise. An elective system by complete courses or groups, - where each one at the beginning chooses a certain group of studies, all bearing towards one general end, is best. The Harvard system is, therefore, we are to infer, unwise. Although there are many objections and many just criticisms to be made upon our present system, we cannot consider it a failure. Its adoption was a step forward, - a step towards the realization of the ideal American university, and we cannot see that there is reason for a change and for its abandonment.