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Eights (Were not allowed to compete)

were not allowed to compete. Contrary to expectation, the event proved a failure, very few entries being annually received. It was abolished in 1907. دو The Eights. The next inter-college races in order of time, and the greatest of all in importance, are the Eights. These take place about the middle of the summer term, so that unless a crew comes up before term begins, little more than three weeks of preparation is possible. Practice, therefore, begins directly the men are up, and strict training very soon afterwards. The "Eights are bumping races, the system being identical with that used in the Torpids. The starting-posts, however, are only 130 feet apart (the distance actually separating the boats being little over a length), and the boats used are of the lightest class instead of being clinker-built.

The Eights are the great event of the rowing year at Oxford, and the greatest honour a college can attain is the headship ROWING] of the river. Formerly, a college was only allowed to put on one eight, but this rule has been abolished.

Other Races. Various other races take place in the summer term. About a fortnight after the Eights, the University Pairs and the University Sculls are contested.

These events are open to all who have not exceeded 16 terms from the date of their matriculation. For the Pairs, any two who choose to compete together may enter, irrespective of college. Like the Coxswainless Fours, both the above are "time" races. In addition to these there are usually College Pairs and College Sculls for competition among the members of each college. College regattas (in which beginning of the term one eight is taken out daily, and a little later two crews-coached respectively by the President and the Secretary of the University Boat Clubrow twice every afternoon. The least promising oars are only given a very short trial, but the better men are tried for longer.