avier crew, has an
advantage over Camford, which is only lessened, and certainly not
entirely removed, by the better training of the latter. Moreover,
the steering of the Oxbridge coxwain is infinitely preferable to the
steering of his rival. The times of the various trials, too, have in
every instance given a distinct advantage to Oxbridge. Again, they
have a better boat. So, given fine weather, the result is a foregone
conclusion. Oxbridge must win, although no doubt Camford would make a
good fight for it, and come in a respectable second."

"I suppose we may add, 'barring accidents'?" suggested the Camford
Stroke, with rather a forced laugh.

"Sir!" exclaimed the Hon. Solicitor, with some severity. "In a company
of gentlemen like those present, accidents always _are_ barred!"

"Quite so," admitted the Camford champion, "and I suppose our
committee of the latest Senior Wrangler and the youngest Double First
have considered what I may call the atmospheric conditions under which
the race would have taken place?"

"Yes, Sir, we have, and those conditions are all unfavourable to the
success of Camford," was the ready reply.

"Then I think we have but one more thing to do--to give three hearty
cheers for our opponents." said the Oxbridge Stroke, and a minute
later the rafters rang with loud applause.

"But why shouldn't we have rowed it out?" asked the gentleman in
flannels--he was a Freshman--a little later. "Surely that would have
been more satisfactory."

"Not at all," was the reply. "The plan is merely a survival of the
fittest!" and his answer afforded general satisfaction.

* * * * *

SHELLEY REVISED.

Most rhyming men
Are cradled into poetry by fashion,
And learn as formula what they print as passion.

* * * * *

_The Development of Africa_, by A.S. WHITE, is advertised. This
is White on Black, and no player in hand. It should be immediately
followed by _Black on White, or Who takes the Pool?_ Exciting match,
with one life each.

* * * * *

[Illustration: CONFUSION WORSE CONFOUNDED.

_Jones_. "CON-FOUND IT ALL! SOMEBODY'S TAKEN _MY_ HAT, AND LEFT THIS
FILTHY, BEASTLY, SHABBY OLD THING INSTEAD!"

_Brown_. "A--I BEG YOUR PARDON, BUT _THAT_ HAPPENS TO BE _MY_ HAT!"]

* * * * *

KEPT IN THE STABLE.

_HEAD GROOM B-LF-R LOQ._:--

Kept in! Yes,