al Propositions" which he had investigated. This increased his
reputation in the University, but he was destined to be eminent in quite
another direction. On the recommendation of Clarkson--who, as the chief
Abolitionist, ought to have been more revolutionary--he followed the rule
almost universally neglected--that undergraduates should wear drab knee
breeches. Though Airy must soon have discovered that the reign of
breeches was over, he continued, like the careful youth he was, to wear
them for three terms.

In the winter of his freshman's year, he did some original research in
mathematics. This praiseworthy undertaking was characteristically
treated by two of his advisers: Mr Peacock encouraged him to work out his
problems; but his tutor (who bore the appropriate name of Hustler)
disapproved of Airy's employing his time on such speculations.

He describes with characteristic precision his way of life as an
undergraduate. He never failed to keep the four statutory morning
chapels. Then came breakfast, and College lectures occupied him from
nine till eleven. He then went back to his rooms, and instead of at once
getting to his mathematics, he wrote a piece of Latin prose. At two
o'clock he "went out for a long walk, usually 4 or 5 miles, into the
country: sometimes if I found companions I rowed on the Cam (a practice
acquired rather later)"; College Hall was at four, after which he
"lounged" until it was time to go to evening chapel (five-thirty). About
six he had tea, and then "read quietly, usually a classical subject, till
eleven; and I never, even in the times when I might seem most severely
pressed, sat up later."

In his second year he was asked to coach one Rosser, a man of his own
year, for which he was paid at the rate of 14 pounds per term. "This
occupied two hours every day, and I felt that I was now completely
earning my own living. I never received a penny from my friends after
this time."

His undergraduate life ended triumphantly in his being Senior Wrangler.
He refers (p. 39) to the hardships of the examination: "The season was a
cold one, and no fire was allowed in the Senate House, where the
examination was carried on . . . and altogether it was a severe time."
His reference to the ceremonial of degree-taking has a little
self-glorification which is not characteristic of him:--"I, as Senior
Wrangler, was led up first to receive the degree, and rarely has the
Senate House rung with such a