In view of the number of Harvard teachers who have left the University for immediate war-work, and in prospect of the further reduction next year in the number of students attending Harvard College, especially in the three upper classes, it is reassuring to look over that elaborate bill of fare for 1918-19, the "elective pamphlet." It leads one to exclaim with Ulysses, "Tho' much is taken, much abides." In spite of a blank here and there to be replaced at a later day with a teacher's name, in spite of the recurrences of "Omitted in 1918-19," it is clear at a glance that there will be no dearth of sound instruction in a great variety of learned subjects. In the branch of learning now more essential than ever before, the military branch, even this preliminary announcement has shown the addition of a third course in Military Science and Tactics, in which elementary instruction in artillery is to be included, and a new separate course in Surveying, Topography, and Military Mapping. There is, moreover, the significant announcement that "no drills will be included in the hours devoted to courses in Military Science and Tactics; but all students enrolled in them will be required to join the Harvard R. O. T. C. Regiment and to participate in all drills and exercises which may be ordered for that organization." This appears to indicate a stiffening of the military requirements which should remove any doubts regarding the seriousness of this branch of study as such.

The Bulletin has touched before, however, on the desirability of maintaining the College as an institution of learning, and thereby performing a function of the highest value to the national life, just so long as there are any students to be taught. In looking ahead there are uncertainties enough without adding to their number by raising any doubts about the stability of our most firmly established universities. The new elective pamphlet is a comforting pledge that Harvard College, with many adaptations to present needs, will spread a generous table next year. Alumni Bulletin