In a recent exchange serious objection was made in a lengthy editorial to Harvard's elective system, on the ground that studies like philosophy, etc., were not prescribed, and that a student was free to elect any subject, whether it was adapted to his wants or entirely unsuited for him, and taken merely as an easy course. The elective system no doubt presents many temptations to a student not inclined to work, but, on the other hand, opportunity is given by this system to pursue a course of study calculated to educate one for his future life, whatever it may be. The old-fashioned country-college system of prescribing studies merely for mental discipline, is rapidly becoming obsolete, and the more enlightened and liberal colleges are presenting courses of study to the students from which some practical knowledge can be derived.