DEPARTMENT REPORTS. 27 



method in expression of thought. In this I received efficient aid from Mr. 

 Eugene Davenport of the Senior class, who was assigned to this work under 

 my supervision. Of the G7 members of this chiss five left before tlie close of 

 the term, and four failed to pass the final examination. Two of these have 

 since taken a special examination and passed. 



Dui'ing the spring term I taugiit the Senior class in the usual course in 

 Fairchild's Moral Pliilosophy. The class numbered 28, one of whom left on 

 account of sickness, and tiie rest finished the course successfnlly. 



A six weeks' course of lectures to the Seniors in political economy com- 

 pletes my classroom instruction outside of rhetorical exercises. In this study 

 the short period of time devoted to it compels haste in both lectures and re- 

 views. This year I adopted the plan of giving one hour each week to a review 

 of the four lectures given upon the previous days. This in some respects was 

 more satisfactory than the usual brief daily review. The class numbered 

 twenty-five, one of whom left on account of sickness, and twenty-four passed 

 the final examination. The time devoted to this study in the course seems too 

 limited to both professor and students. 



The larger part of my work of instruction has been devoted to the rhetorical 

 exercises. In these I liave had charge of seventy-one Freshmen, fifty-three 

 Sophomores, and twenty-six Seniors, all of whom I have met once each week 

 in five classes. I have also given from two to five hours each week to re- 

 hearsals preparatory to final delivery before the classes or the body of students. 

 The Freshmen have had essays and declamation, in alternation, one every 

 three weeks. The Sophomores have had essays and declamations alternating 

 every two weeks during the spring term, and original declamations every four 

 weeks during the summer term. During the autumn term of 1878 they were 

 under the instruction of Professor Cook. The Seniors have had exercises in 

 select reading, in essay writing, in scientific exposition and in analysis. Each 

 has prepared and delivered four orations before tlie body of students in the 

 Cliapel. During tlie summer term I luive given a series of lectures upon sub- 

 jects directly connected with riietoric in practice. 



All the orations and original declamations and most of the essays have 

 passed under my criticism before being presented: a few have been accepted 

 and afterward criticised. In most cases criticism of the orations is accom- 

 panied with personal explanation of reasons for any change, and suggestions 

 as to tlie l''gic of the thought and correctness of statements as well as proper 

 sources of materials. All this work I have found very wearing, and yet I have 

 been grateful to yourself and the Board for such an arrangement as, by re- 

 lieving me ixoxw the teaching of French, permitted me to take the task in my 

 own hands, I have long felt the necessity of giving more continuous attention 

 to the drill in English composition and English speaking which must hold so 

 important a place in every course of study. 



I have given but one of the regular Wednesday lectures this year, having 

 given place once to a number of Senior orations which had been delayed by 

 various circumstances beyond their appointed time. 



Other ini[)ortaiit works of the College has fallen upon me as Chairman of 

 the Committee upon Examinations. This has included, beside my s'lare iir 

 the examination of a[)plicants for admission. coni|)ilation of statistics, and re- 

 ports, arraiigLMiient for all select courses, and preparation of sciiemes f jr class 

 exercises and examinations. It has naturally, too, brought many requests for 

 advice in regard to plans of individual students. In the work of special com- 

 mittees I have had my share of the burden. 



