University Reform. 325 



include questions covering the whole subject of 

 pure and mixed mathematics; and there is no 

 reason why our standard of proficiency should not 

 be equally high, since in a purely optional course 

 neither inability nor distaste for the subject can 

 reasonably be pleaded. From the classical stu- 

 dent, besides thorough familiarity with the text 

 and subject-matter of at least ten difficult authors, 

 we should demand a knowledge of ancient history 

 at once extensive and accurate, as well as some 

 skill in treating the higher problems of philology 

 and criticism. And in the other class examina- 

 tions the requirements should be similar. With 

 such an organization, it would be strange if the 

 university did not each year send forth a consid- 

 erable number of persons in every way prepared 

 to become finished scholars. With the compul- 

 sory system reduced to the lowest practicable 

 minimum, and the elective system carried out 

 with the greatest possible completeness, the chief 

 ends of a liberal education can most effectually be 

 secured ; and the most excellent features of the 

 European university will thus be adopted without 

 resigning any single point of superiority possessed 

 by -the American college. 



As already hinted, the existing constitution of 

 the freshman year should not be materially in- 



