SAM'L. A. ELIOT \ } _Committee_{72} J. A. LOWELL / A year later than the above correspondence, the subject was evidently revived on the part of the governing powers of the College, and we find the following letter from Professor Longfellow:-- CAMBRIDGE, Sept. 25, 1846. DEAR SIR,--In answer to your favor of the 18th inst. requesting my opinion on certain points connected with the Studies of the University, I beg leave to state; I. In regard to the "advantages and disadvantages of the Elective System." In my own department I have always been strongly in favor of this system. I have always thought that the modern languages should be among the voluntary or elective studies and form no part of the required Academic course. As to the Latin and Greek I have many doubts; but incline rather to the old system, particularly if the fifth class can be added to the present course; for we could then secure the advantages of both systems. II. The class examinations in my department are very slight and unsatisfactory. They serve however as a kind of Annual Report of what has been done in the department; and as there is nothing depending upon them, it does not seem to me a matter of very urgent necessity to have them rendered more thorough. III. "The Fifth class or New Department in the University" seems to me of the greatest importance, as it would enable us to carry forward the studies of each department much farther than at present, by means of Lectures, for which there is now hardly sufficient opportunity. Last year there were fifteen Resident Graduates. Why should not these have formed the Fifth Class? IV. In regard to the "practical working of any other of the changes made in our system during the last twenty years," I can hardly claim any distinct views. Many, perhaps most of them were made before I came to the University; so that I hardly know what is old and what is new. I have made but a brief statement in answer to your enquiries, partly because writing is a painful process with me, and partly because many things here touched upon can be more clearly explained _vive voce_ than with the pen. I remain, with great regard Faithfully Yours HENRY W. LONGFELLOW.{73}