The Young Men's Christian Association in its report for the first half-year shows that it accomplishes a good deal of work which is unknown to a large part of the college. In a quiet way the association has been going about, giving help to men in college and also doing a certain amount of outside work. Much of this outside work, that among the sailors, that of the committee on visiting the sick, and that at the Boston missions has been carried on in a way attracting so little attention that it may even be supposed that it has escaped the notice of some men who would be glad to give their help to any such work, but who were unaware of the opportunity open to them.

Within the college the association has been a decided help. To men who come to Harvard from a distance, and those who are unacquainted with the college, the Association Handbook and the reception committee have doubtless been very beneficial. The disclosure of this practical work which is done by the association may tend to dispel a feeling which has no little hold on the college that the Y. M. C. A. does nothing more than hold religious meetings and send delegates to conventions.