In the past few years Crimson rooters lining the banks of the Thames in June have been able to hum "Here come the dog-gone Elis" to no exulting strains of victory. Sharp disappointment has led to sharper criticism, with the result that pessimism has been the prevailing attitude toward the "crew situation". In a measure the work of candidates and coaches must necessarily suffer in such an atmosphere. But with the arrival of Coach Stevens and his staff there seems to have occurred a definite reversal.

This change of opinion can certainly be attributed to the vigor and spirit with which the new rowing system has been installed. The days when five different types of stroke were being taught on the Charles, and when fall crew practice was less important than spring football have definitely passed, to the regret of none. The character of the winter training which comes to an end today is indicative of a new policy that is intended to develop available material into the finest possible crews.

One of the reasons for the phenomenal speed of the Annapolis crews is the splendid physical fitness of Navy oarsmen. In an institution of Harvard's type it is more difficult to achieve a condition of perfect training, but it is not impossible. Coach Stevens' system of year round training, of long runs and hard workouts, is undoubtedly the only one that will insure the utmost strength in the Harvard shell. Hard work, and hard work alone, can bring the Crimson pennon fluttering in the lead at the end of a long four miles.