Sister on the right hand of the entrance to the choir is neatly executed. In the ante-chapel is a particularly fine monumental cross, spoken highly of by Gough. It is commemorative of John Bloxham and John Whytton; the first a Warden, and the latter a benefactor to the College.

The TOWER, which rises from the centre of the cross aisle, the external panneling and pinnacles of which are supposed to have been added by Rodburne, is not only a beautiful structure in itself, but bears its full proportion to the magnificence which Oxford displays when viewed from the places in its vicinity. The near view of it is from the Grove, whose foliage gives it a more sequestered air than when seen from the points in its vicinity, where buildings are blended with it. The best view of it, with the fine north window of the Chapel, is from the bottom of Magpie-lane. The Tower contains eight fine-toned bells. The University Sermon is preached in the Chapel on St. Philip and St. James, and on the first Sunday in August.

To the south of the Chapel is the old quadrangle, in which is the LIBRARY, by far the most ancient in the University. It contains many curious manuscripts, and some valuable printed books, among which is Caxton's Chaucer. The contrast between this Library, finished in 1369, and that of Christ Church, is very striking.Strangers, who delight in the study of anti

quities, will, with peculiar pleasure, visit the room in which our learned Oxford Antiquary, Anthony Wood, passed much of his time, and, probably, gained much of his information.

The HALL is between the first and second quadrangles. It is a large room, with little decoration. In the windows some of the ancient arms are still preserved; the door is very ancient, and the hinges are made to spread over it in a kind of flourishing ornament, which was the mode before pannels were introduced in the 14th century. The Hall contains the portrait of the Founder, the gift of Dr. Berdmore, when Warden; also portraits of the Hon. Shute Barrington, Bishop of Durham; and the late Mr. Justice Rooke, who both were Fellows of this College. Below the portrait of the Founder is a Latin inscription, on an elegant white marble tablet, to commemorate the circumstance of the Emperor of Russia and his Sister having taken up their residence at this College, when they visited the University in 1814. They resided in the Warden's Lodgings, which have lately been refitted in a most splendid manner.

The lower end of the Hall is occupied by a large historical painting, which represents the Founder sitting in his episcopal robes and mitre, and pointing to a view of his College. On the right is Minerva introducing a youth holding a book. To the left stand Religion and Prudence, behind which are two Monks retiring with countenances expressive of malignity and

indignation. In the upper part are two winged figures, bearing a laurel wreath and a scroll, containing the names of R. Bacon, Scotus, Wicliffe, Linacre, Jewel, Bodley, Saville, and Harvey, who had been distinguished members of this College. At the bottom are inscriptions informing us, that Dr. J. Wall was the painter and donor of this picture. The first Common Room known in the University was fitted up at this College in the year 1661.

Merton College is one of the most ancient in the University. It was first founded at Malden, in Surrey, 1264, and removed to Oxford in 1274, by Walter de Merton, Bishop of Rochester, and Lord High Chancellor of England. In 1380, Dr. Willyott gave Exhibitions for the maintenance of 12 Postmasters, (Portionistæ,) to whom were afterwards added two by John Chamber, Fellow of Eton, and Canon of Windsor, to be elected from Eton College. 'The present foundation consists of a Warden, 24 Fellows, 14 Postmasters, four Scholars, two Chaplains, and two Clerks. The number of members on the books is usually about 120. Adjoining to Merton College, on the east, is

ALBAN HALL.

The Porter's Lodge is at the end of the Court, on the left.

It derives its name from Robert de St. Alban, who was a citizen of Oxford, and gave a tene

On

ment to the Nuns at Littlemore, in 1230. the dissolution of Littlemore Nunnery, it was given by Henry VIII. to Dr. Owen, of Merton College, who conveyed it to Lord Williams, of Thame, and Sir John Gresham. It was afterwards assigned to John Pollard and Robert Perot, Esqrs. in 1547, who transferred it to the Warden and Fellows of Merton College. It was sometime after established as an Academical Hall. The usual number of members on the books, including a Principal and VicePrincipal, is about 60.

Our walk through the University and City terminates at Alban Hall. Opposite to this Hall is a lane, called Logic-lane, which leads into the High-street, opposite to Queen's College, and not far from the Angel Inn.

Persons who have not been educated in an English University, are but little acquainted with many of the terms made use of in this Description of Oxford. Strangers are often puzzled with names, which, though familiar to the inhabitants of Oxford, are to them incomprehensible; and the answers they receive to their inquiries on this subject are seldom calculated to give them the information they require. To render this Guide as complete and useful as possible, we have subjoined a short account of the Government, Dresses, and different Ranks of the Members of the University, with some observations on the Manners and Customs of

this highly respectable body. Those who wish for a minute and very correct detail of the nature of the different official situations, and the names of the persons who fill them, may have their curiosity amply gratified by a reference to the Oxford Calendar, which is published annually: it contains a List of all the Livings in the Patronage of the University, the Counties from which Fellows, Scholars, &c. are elected, the names of all the Members, with their rank; and, indeed, every thing which can be useful and interesting to those who intend entering their sons or relatives at Oxford, and to strangers who occasionally visit it.

The University is a corporate body, described through a succession of ages by the style or title of the Chancellor, Masters, and Scholars of the University of Oxford. It is governed by statutes of its own making. The highest officer in this Corporation is the Chancellor, whose station is of great dignity, and is always filled by a distinguished Nobleman who has been a member of the University. At first his election was for one, two, or three years, but afterwards his office became perpetual. The Chancellor is elected by the votes of all members of Convocation; that is, by Doctors of Divinity, Law, and Medicine, and by all Masters of Arts, who are Regent, or have passed their Regency; but all must have their names on the books of some College or Hall. The Chancellor does not attend the meetings of the University, except at his installation and in case of royal visits.