The method of associating for the attainment of any end, is so striking a feature of our time, that we are disposed to imagine it peculiar to ourselves. But this notion does some wrong to antiquity. This very point of association forms one link in a connected view of modern and ancient times.

One species of modern societies, the benefit clubs, seems to have had a prototype in the ancient gild. This name had its origin in the Saxon verb signifying to pay; and was applied to confraternities or bandships, made upon a religious basis and composed of nobility laity and their female relations. Having the patronage of some great man, the members wore a badge which was first defensive and later became offensive, for instance, a stout staff or club: and with these they were bound to defend or offend respectively those who were friends or foes of the fraternity. It is this duty that is signified by a custom yet lingering in the halls of some of our Colleges, which is for the two next in the progress of the cup down the table from one side to the other to be on their legs while the one who holds the cup is drinking to the toast. Numerous notices of these gilds lie scattered in topographical works. The statutes of several are preserved; and they supply some curious hints as to the character of these bodies.

The distinctions of person among the members of the University depend upon the different degrees: the manner of arriving at these forms is a subject by itself. Colleges also have (as it might be expected) their distinctions, possessing the same general character in all, though there may be some particular variations.

In the attempt to comprehend the nature of the internal economy of a College, a stranger will find himself involved in a maze of technical language perplexed in no slight degree by the mystifications of time, which the antiquarian alone can unravel; of those even that are passing through the course, the great proportion are content with understanding the directions given to them, without enquiring into their origin. Most men, in most matters, are engrossed with the present, neither looking backward into the practice of antiquity, nor forward into the effects and consequences of present action: and in many instances this conduct may be commendable or at least convenient; yet the retrospect has advantages and satisfactions. Two points will here engage our attention; the classification of the members, and the course of study.

The entry or admission is the first step in the Student's connexion with the University: the form of enrolment will be seen presently. The terms ‘sub tutelâ’, ‘sub fide jussore’, ‘pro eo fide jubet’, ‘pro eo spondet’, imply the responsibility of the Fellow named for the payment of the Student's dues to the College.

This legend lived long in the popular notion that a spirit walked that scene. An indefatigable antiquary has preserved some historical notice, which tends to an explanation of the origin of the name.

“In a quaint book by Bishop Hall, in 8vo. printed by Edward Blount and William Barrett, called the Discovery of a New World or a Description of the South Indies, with this running title, The description of Tenter-Belly, and subscribed the Cambridge Pilgrim, at p. 44, is this :—

‘A Giant called All Paunch, who was of an incredible Height of Body, not like him whose Picture the Schollers of Cambridge goe to see at Hogmagog Hills, but rather like him that ought the two Aple Teeth which were digged out of a well in Cambridge, that were little lesse than a man's head.’

“When I was a boy, about 1724, I remember my Father or Mother, as it happened I went with one or other of them to Cambridge, the road from Baberham there lying through the Camp, (now blocked up by the house and gardens inclosed in it of my Lord Godolphin) always used to stop and show me and my Brother and Sisters the figure of the giant carved on the Turf; concerning whom there were then many traditions, now worn away. What became of the two said Teeth I never heard.”

King's College was founded A.D. 1441, by Henry the Sixth. It was at first only intended for a Rector and twelve Scholars; but the foundation was remodelled in 1443, so as to consist of a Provost, seventy Fellows and Scholars, and ten Conducts, together with choristers and inferior officers. The ten Conducts are now merged into one; and with this exception the constitution of the college remains the same as it was in the founder's time. About 1446, Eton College was founded for seventy Scholars who were to supply the vacant scholarships at King's as they occurred. This practice still continues; and every year an election is held at Eton at the end of July, when the candidates for the King's scholarships at Eton are elected, and the vacancies at King's College filled up from Eton. The electors are the Provost and two Fellows of King's, called Posers, on the part of Cambridge, and, on the part of Eton, the Provost, Vice-Provost, and Head Master of that foundation. Eton Scholars are superannuated at the election after passing their nineteenth year; if not then elected they lose the power of becoming members of King's College. The first three years at King's are called years of probation, at the end of which the Scholar, if approved, is admitted to a Fellowship. The elections in both cases are made by seniority, without any reference to the merits of the candidates, though there is the form of an examination at Eton at the time of election.

COLLEGIUM SIVE DOMUS SIVE AULA DE CLARE.

This College was originally founded, A. D. 1326, by Richard Badew, at that time Chancellor of the University, who having purchased two houses situated in a street called Mylne-Street, from Nigel Thornton a physician, annexed them to the University under the name of University Hall. He appointed a Principal and several pensionary Scholars, but seems to have neglected the important step of providing them with funds for the maintenance of their College; for we find that they lived for twelve years at their own expense; when one of them being in favour with Elizabeth de Burgh, Countess of Clare, persuaded her to become a benefactor to his College, the building belonging to which had recently been destroyed by fire. This Lady on the resignation of Walter Thaxted, the Principal, with the consent of Richard Badew the original founder, having obtained a charter from Edward III., in the 12th year of that king's reign, A. D. 1338-9, entirely rebuilt the College, settled funds for the maintenance of its members, renovated its constitution and altered its former designation to that of Clare Hall. It is asserted by some that these benefits were conferred by Elizabeth, the daughter of the Duke of Gloucester in the 36th of Edward III., at which time the Aula was again consumed by fire, and she as well as many other patrons of learning contributed their aid to its re-establishment.