The Advocate commemorates the closing of its fortieth volume and the coming of its twentieth birthday in a number wholly made up by its past editors. The contributors of prose are W. G. Peckham, '67, F. G. Ireland, '68, C. H. Swan, '70, C. C. Stein, '71, W. R. Tyler, '74, C. H. Barrows, '76, Lindsay Swift, '77, E. W. Morse, '78, Woodward Hudson, '79, Arthur Hale, A. B. Hart and J. L. Pennypacker, '80; of verse, L. W. Clark and T. C. Pease, '75, George Pellew, '80, G. L. Kittredge, '82, A. M. Lord, '83, T. L. Frothingham, '84, G. R. Nutter, '84, and F. D. Sherman, formerly of '87.

Those interested in athletics will find Mr. Tyler's article specially entertaining. He gives a clear and very readable account of the revival of foot-ball at Harvard, after it had been under ban for nearly ten years.

In a lighter vein Dr. Hart tells in parallel columns the happenings of a year from a freshman's, and from an instructor's point of view. An anonymous writer - can it be an Annex maid? - gives some clever Observations of a Wall-flower.

Several contributors take up the practical questions of education. E. W. Morse, '78 has a thoughtful discussion of College Preparation for Journalism. He holds that the work on the college papers is of slight worth in fitting for a literary life, except that a college editor often forms a taste for writing. Although Mr. Morse has more experience than any of us, yet his assertions are certainly debatable. He further laments the weakness of our English Department. His criticism, however, is based upon the testimony of graduates of two years and over. Plainly he knows nothing of the reforms wrought among us during the past twelve months. E. G. Ireland, '68, advocates raising the standard of our preparatory schools, until they are more nearly on a level with the German Gymnasia. He very justly says that such a change is needed to make the elective system effective. The subject is timely, and well worth attention. Under the title, Shall Harvard Lead? C. H. Barrows, '76 urges educated men to be reformers. The article is an able and earnest protest against the indifference and dilettantism which certainly prevails among certain classes here. Whatever may be thought of the special reforms of which Mr. Barrows speaks, it will be granted that the tone of his writing is surely very high and stimulating. The piece is worthy of a wider reading than it will probably receive.

The number contains several very good bits of verse. The light poem of Mr. Frothingham, '84, though somewhat long and careless, is perhaps the best of its kind. In a serious tone Mr. Lord's sonnet on the Grave of Pompey, and the stanzas of Rev. T. C. Pease, '75 called The Songless Singer are most noteworthy. Although the theme of the latter is by no means new, yet its smoothness of lines, and depth of feeling make it the best in the issue. Its fault is possibly lack of compactness.

On the whole the Advocate is to be congratulated for its success in this graduate number.