The best number of members for a univer sity's principal governing board is seven; be cause that number of men can sit round a small table, talk with each other informally without waste of words or any display or pretence, provide an adequate diversity of points of view and modes of dealing with the subject in hand, and yet be prompt and e?icient in the despatch of business. In a board of seven the different professions and callings can be sufficiently represented.