In connection with the appearance of the new elective pamphlet, we would like to say a word to coming sophomores in particular, but a word to all as well in regard to the English department. The this year's freshmen have now about finished the prescribed work in English of the first year, and are looking forward to their electives. No college in the United States offers so many advantages in this department as Harvard does. In the first place, there are seven different courses for the study of the literature alone, covering periods in the English world of letters from the time of the earliest Anglo-Saxon writers down to the present day. The courses are so arranged that one may begin at whatever period he likes and study the growth of literature historically. Prof. Child has five courses (1, 2, 3, 4 and 11) covering the periods from the beginning down to Shakespeare's time. Prof. Hill supplements these by two courses (7 and 8) covering the 18th and 19th centuries. For those who intend to enter the field of journalism, or of letters generally, who want thorough training in writing, English 12 under Mr. Wendell, and English 5 under Prof. Hill, are offered. In both courses daily theme work is done. In addition to these, the college offers two most excellent courses for training in speaking; one, English 9, under Mr. Jones, for the technicalities of the art, and the other, English 6, under different instructors, for actual practice. These are all electives which supplement the regular theme and forensic work done by the different classes. If thoughtfully and judiciously chosen, they can prepare a man most thoroughly for the real work of life.