Oxford

one of the two university cities of England. It is situated on the Thames in Oxfordshire, about fifty-two miles northwest of London. The river at this point is known as the Isis. The city is mentioned in the English chronicles as early as 912. It is supposed to have grown up at a point where oxen forded the river. It was surrounded formerly by walls, a portion of which still exists as part of the exterior wall of the New College gardens. The keep of the ancient city still stands. The university for which the city is noted was founded, it is believed, in 1164. The earliest authentic mention of the university of Oxford, however, dates from 1201. The university differs materially from an American institution. It consists of a group of colleges doing practically the same work. Each has its own buildings and government.

It is a little difficult for an American to understand the organization of Oxford University. If a score of our denominational and endowed colleges had been founded in some one town and had combined for certain purposes of administration and of granting degrees, while each college retained its own buildings, faculty, dormitories and funds, we should have had an association of colleges something like that known as Oxford University. Named in order of foundation, the colleges are known as University, Baliol, Merton, Exeter, Oriel, Queen's, New, All Souls', Magdalen, Brasenose, Corpus Christi, Christ Church, Trinity, St. John's, Jesus, Wadham, Pembroke, Worcester, Hertford, and Keble.

Men only are admitted. Four colleges for women, known as Somerville, Lady Margaret's, St. Hugh's, and St. Hilda's Halls, have been established; but degrees are not granted to the students. The leading college is Christ Church, established by Cardinal Wolsey in 1525 as Cardinal College. It was refounded as Christ Church by Henry VIII in 1546. It is heavily endowed. Oxford students are required to attend lectures, but the greater part of the instruction is given in private. Each student is required to attach himself to a tutor or private teacher, who directs his studies. The students live in the dormitories attached to the various colleges, and dine in public halls. Degrees are granted by a governing body representing the various colleges. According to the time-honored routine at Oxford, the student's forenoon is given to lectures, to study, and to work with the tutor; the afternoon is devoted to outdoor exercises; the evening is spent in reading, in attending literary exercises, or in social amusement, as may be desired. The strictness with which the student is held to profitable work depends entirely on the tutor. To obtain a bachelor's degree it is necessary to pass three examinations, known locally as "Smalls," "Mods," and "Greats." It is difficult for a student to meet the ordinary charges of the university for lodging, board, and tutor short of $800 a year. Those who have taken degrees are eligible to appointment as fellows. The fellows receive an annual grant, varying from $750 to $1,250, enabling them to live independently. They are at liberty to pursue their studies at the university or to travel. The fellowship terminates usually on marriage or settlement in a profession.

Oxford is preeminently a university town. It is a city of towers, spires, and quadrangles. There is abundance of green grass and a profusion of carved stonework. Fine old gateways lead from one quadrangle to another, which, with the total absence of manufactures, give the town a quaint, medieval, scholastic air, very delightful to the student and tourist. The present population of the city, including tradespeople, citizens, professors, fellows, tutors and students, is about 50,000.

See Bodleian; Cambridge; Clarendon; Rhodes