To the Editors of the Crimson:

The CRIMSON on Jan. 4 gave a review of Dr. Sargent's report to the Committee on Physical Training, and on Jan. 7, on the methods in use at a number of the leading universities and colleges. Dr. Sargents's report it seems to me, with its suggestions for regular gymnasium exercise, is of great importance to every Harvard undergraduate.

There were three plans suggested: First, that every student should be subjected to a physical examination every year, leaving all exercise optional; second, that there be required of all Freshmen physical examinations and gymnasium exercise three hours a week, which, with a weekly lecture on Hygiene, should count as a half course; and third, that a graded series of elective courses in physical training be offered.

It is a well-known fact that the physical test required for the football team has raised the physical standard of the Freshman class during the last two years. But there are a great many men for whom neither football nor any of the other sports offer any incentive to physical development. Such men can not be allowed to go through College without a development of body, as well as of mind, and, it seems to me, one of the plans suggested by Dr. Sargent should be immediately adopted.

The third plan, which is most in accord with Harvard elective work, is by far the best. Such a plan is in use at Leland Stanford Jr. University, and perhaps at other institutions. Doubtless, the Department of Physical Training could not be organized and a full series of elective courses instituted in one year; but by adopting the second plan first Harvard could gradually work over into the third plan, Thus the physical development of the average student would be looked after, and, by exempting from gymnasium exercise all men on the Freshman athletic squads, the standard of the Freshman and 'Varsity teams would naturally be raised.

1900.