Mr. Marriott, the secretary of the Oxford University Extension, does not seem to answer a part of this criticism when he states that it is true there was a sprinkling of elementary school teachers, and these were men and women of all ages, but of the teachers who were present the vast majority came from secondary schools, with a considerable sprinkling of teachers from foreign universities. The question still remains whether or not it is the province of the summer meeting to provide an intellectual bill of fare suitable to the tastes of teachers from foreign universities and their like. Nevertheless it must be said to the credit of some of the lecturers that they showed good judgment in their choice of subjects and mode of treatment. Conferences.-A most interesting feature of the summer meeting was the conference. Five were scheduled: "The relation between University Extension and the cooperative movement," "The training of pupil teachers," "Relation between University Extension lectures and the National Home Reading Union," "Local finance," and "Relations of poor law and charity." I attended the first three and found them exceedingly interesting. It seems to be the object of the University Extension delegacy to conduct conferences on all movements in any way associated with University Extension. This policy seems to me to be perfectly legitimate, for it is pursued with the evident intention of creating and of increasing interest in the extension movement on the part of the laboring classes, and of making more effective the work that is already being done. Yet it is upon this very policy that the severest criticism falls. Critics hold that it is the tendency to identify University Extension with objects which, however good in themselves, have very little to do with a mission to extend university teaching, properly so called. They hold that the cooperative movement is no doubt an excellent thing, aud brings benefit where it takes root to the wage-earning classes; but what in the world, they say, has cooperation to do with the higher education, which is the special province of the universities? If, as others appear to think, the ideal of University Extension lectures is that they should embrace a sort of propaganda of cooperation, the movement is not likely to be very popular among a class which eminently needs the enlightening influences of higher education-the trades people in country towns and their families. Cooperation is a good thing, but is it the business of the universities to preach it?

The next point of criticism seems to me, however, to be better taken, namely, concerning the rather pretentious claim of the summer meeting to be an international conference on educational matters in general and the dragging in under that claim of the conference upon the training of pupil teachers. The training of pupil teachers is undoubtedly a most important question in elementary education, but what has it to do with the extension of university teaching? The Times remarks that the claim of this harmless and agreeable summer meeting of extensionists, that it should take rank as an international conference upon educational matters in general, reminds one of the frog in the fable, who swelled himself out to look as big as the ox and burst in the effort.

I fail to see, however, wherein any of these conferences will be of harm to the University Extension movement, and I can see wherein they will do good, although there may not be any organic relation between the subjects discussed. These conferences are, to say the least, interesting and probably instructive to those who attend. Much good may come from them, and I should dislike to see them excluded from the programme. The conference on the relations between the University Extension and the cooperative movement was the most interesting. The very democratic Marquis of Ripon presided and called vigorously "Hear! hear!" during the speeches of several of the workingmen delegates It was voted finally that the delegates were in favor of some organized attempt being made to secure a larger attendance at the University Extension summer meetings of students drawn from the wage-earning classes, and more especially from the ranks of cooperators. The conference upon the training of pupil teachers was an effort, first, to encourage pupil teachers to attend, where possible, University Extension lectures, and, second, to give the lecturers expert advice as to how they should be of the greatest possible help to these pupil teachers. In the conference on the relations between University Extension lectures and the National Home Reading Union it was suggested that the latter might do a very valuable work in continuation of and preparation for organized courses of University Extension lectures; that it should prepare students for the extension courses and should guide them after the lecturers had left; that it could deal with individual students scattered throughout the country and stimulate reading; that it could reach boys and girls just leaving school, whereas University Extension students must be over 16; in short, that the Home Reading Union could admirably supplement the work of the extension lecturers.

Worcester College.-A limited number of men students were received at Worcester College. Women students were cared for at Somerville College and Lady Margaret Hall. The gates of Worcester were thrown wide open to those who secured quarters. Those of us who were fortunate enough to make that institution our home were in a position to enjoy some of the pleasures of student life. Worcester is situ

ated apart from the other Oxford colleges. As you enter the gate at the porter's lodge you are struck by the contrast the buildings present. Upon the right are the "spacious and dignified but somewhat monotonous erections of the eighteenth century; on the left are the mansiones, among the most picturesque things in Oxford, which belonged to Gloucester College." Antony Wood admirably describes these old monastic buildings. They are divided by particular roots, partitions, and various forms of structure, and known from each other like so many colonies and tribes, by urns and rebuses that are depicted and cut in stone over each door." Most of these emblems are now defaced, the one over my staircase being entirely obliterated. But over the door at the southwest corner of the building is a shield, on which the "W" some say refers to Windicombe Abbey. These interesting old mansiones carry us back to 1283, when John Giffarde, baron of Brimsfield, donated the site on which was founded a house of study for thirteen monks. Within ten years all Benedictine houses were allowed to send students, whose expenses they defrayed. In one of these old thirteenth-century mansiones, staircase 9, second floor, I was domiciled. Two rooms make up the section, a small bedroom or “camara" and a large sitting room, both of which look out upon the wonderful beauty of Worcester College gardens. My study commanded a full view of the beautiful green "Quad and the stately though plain buildings of the eighteenth century. Adjoining the sitting room, in staircase 10, are the rooms which De Quincey occupied.

Here in these college dormitories dwelt 50 summer visitors-25 Englishmen, 7 Germans, 4 Swedes, 4 Americans, 3 Frenchmen, 2 Danes, 2 Austrians, 2 Dutchmen, and a Scotchman. All were members of the Cosmopolitan Club, a temporary organization of the resident students. designed to cultivate good fellowship and especially to make foreigners feel at home. Especial efforts were necessary in this direction, as a number of the foreigners did not have a very good command of English. The sessions of the club were held every other evening immediately after the lecture. A permanent secretary and treasurer were elected, but a different chairman presided at each meeting. Each nationality contributed to the programme something characteristic of its own university life. Some of us, on being called upon suddenly to give something characteristic of American-college life and not being at all accomplished in musical or dramatic arts, were compelled to resort to the Johns Hopkins University yell, which we gave with a hearty good will. Imagine our surprise at the great sound of applause with which it was received! Many declared it was the most characteristic college custom yet given.

As the foreigners were mostly university men, this club soon became a kind of international clearing house of ideas. Very pleasant were the discussions that often occurred between students of different nationalities. Usually it was a German versus an Englishman, or a German versus a Frenchman, or a Frenchman versus an Englishman. We Americans were not, as a rule, considered foreigners. Meals were served in common in the college "hall." This was different from the custom in term time when dinner only is served in common, breakfast and lunch being served in the students' rooms. The daily routine was sometimes varied, but was usually as follows: A plunge in the public baths or the river in the early morning; a lecture or two; then an afternoon of boating, bicycling, sight-seeing, with tea drinking.

One event from which three of us derived more than ordinary pleasure was an afternoon tea given in my rooms to our young lady friends from Baltimore who were resident at Oxford at the time. After tea had been served, we visited the college chapel and grounds. It so happened that a certain military organization was giving a band concert in the garden at the time, which lent interest to the occasion. The freedom with which the townspeople are permitted to enjoy those beautiful gardens was an agreeable surprise. At Worcester College I met Mr. Ashworth, of Todmorden Hall, Lancashire, who has attended every summer meeting except one. The fact that he had met Prof. H. B. Adams, of the Johns Hopkins University, at the summer meeting held at Cambridge the year before (1896) and had there exchanged ideas with him, was a sufficient introduction for us. Mr. Ashworth gave me more new ideas of English people, customs, and institutions than I succeeded in getting from any other man. I look back upon the four weeks spent at Worcester College as the brightest of my experience in England.

Case of Joseph Owen.-Perhaps one of the most interesting facts in connection with the summer meeting of Extension students was the attitude of the university and some of the colleges toward the education of the working class. In connection with a conference held during the summer meeting, what is described as “A University Extension romance" was current. Two years ago Balliol College broke through many of its regulations and made special provisions to give a student workman an opportunity of studying at Oxford. At present one of the Brackenbury scholars of the college is Joseph Owen, of Oldham, the son of a Lancashire artisan, who himself at one time worked in an Oldham mill. At 13 young Owen left school, after which his chief means of education were free libraries and University Exten

sion lectures. For a number of years he showed special persistence and aptitude in following the work outlined by Extension lectures. In 1895 he was advised to go up to Oxford. There were many difficulties. He was 23 years of age, married, and had no knowledge of Latin or Greek. Nevertheless, the college admitted him on the strength of his University Extension work, and by the generous help of friends and by a special exhibition from the college of £50 a year he and his wife were able to take up their residence in Oxford. His career has been remarkable. Six weeks after his entrance he won in open competition a scholarship of the value of £80, tenable for four years. Within eighteen months from learning the Greek alphabet he had passed all necessary examinations, and is now embarked on an honor course in history, with every prospect of a brilliant degree. He has been well received by the men, and takes his part in the life of the college. What is said to be the most refreshing feature of his wonderful success in his college is that he does not regard education at all as a sure means of rising in the world. He has no desire, it is said, to leave the working class from which he sprung, and intends at the end of his four years' residence to return to his former pursuit at Oldham, to be of service to his fellows in the "discussion and solution of those grave problems of industrial life with which the twentieth century, even more than the nineteenth, will in all probability be occupied."

The Conversaziones.—The termination of the first part and the inauguration and close of the second part of the summer meeting were observed by two large conversaziones in the evening at the schools. These functions were attended by a numerous company of students, while prominent supporters of the movement, among others Prof. and Mrs. Max Müller, attended in considerable numbers, many coming from a distance to participate in the proceedings and to hear an account of the progress of the cause. At the first conversazione, while the guests were arriving, an exhibition of the cinematograph was given, after which the company adjourned to another hall for refreshments and to hear short addresses on "University Extension, past, present, and future," by Mr. M. E. Sadler, Miss Montgomery, and the Rev. W. Hudson Shaw, respectively. These gatherings, although large, were very interesting.

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Recreation. Certain days were set apart for excursions to different places of interest in the vicinity at Oxford. One Saturday afternoon was devoted to Blenheim, in response to an invitation by the Duke of Marlborough. Some 360 students left Oxford by special train at half past two, and, arriving at Blenheim half an hour later, divided into several parties, some proceeding direct to the palace while others, like myself, made a tour of inspection of the gardens. In the course of the afternoon all the students were shown over the various rooms and were entertained in the long library with an organ recital. Tea was served in a large tent near the lodge. It was a beautiful day and all were pleased with the trip. Other excursions were made to Nuneham Park, Compton Winyates, Stanton Harcourt, and Dorchester. With the exception of the Blenheim excursion I did not go with the students, as I found the crowd too large for pleasure and preferred to go more leisurely, in a small company.

Visits were also made to the principal colleges and places of interest in Oxford. Usually a university official in cap and gown accompanied the students to point out the things of particular interest. Some of us were fortunate in having the master of Balliol point out the objects of interest in the Balliol library and hall. Every student was doubtless remembered in invitations to teas and garden parties. One of the most memorable of these was given by Prof. and Mrs. Max Müller. The invitations were extended almost exclusively to foreigners, thus making the gathering very cosmopolitan. Mrs. Max Müller is an ideal hostess in that she can converse with her guests in English, French, or German with equal facility. We Americans had an interesting chat with her and were introduced to the Professor. One of the Baltimore young ladies asked Mrs. Max Müller why the Professor has not visited America, and was somewhat surprised to receive the answer, "The Professor is afraid of American hospitality." At this garden party twelve distinct nationalities were counted, besides representatives from three of England's largest colonies. Among the foreigners were several teachers who held scholarships given by their respective governments. Another memorable garden party was given by our Baitimore young ladies to a number of their friends. Garden parties and afternoon teas were a delightful part of the summer's recreation.

During the first week of the meeting a congregation was held in the Sheldonian Theater for the purpose of conferring degrees upon the "honor men." There was a large audience present, and the ceremony was particularly interesting to foreigners. The ancient custom from which the expression to be "plucked" is derived is still continued. After the list of names is read out the proctors walk up and down the hall. Originally a creditor of any of the candidates could "pluck" the proctor's gown as he walked down the hall, and in this way prevent the degree being given until the debt was paid.

Special religious services were held in the university church (St. Mary's), while services were also conducted at Christ Church, the Cathedral, and Manchester and Mansfield colleges.

Gardens and boats.-Too much can not be said in praise of the beauty of English college gardens. With their soft, velvety grass carpets, with their flowers, shrubbery, and venerable trees, with their ancient walls almost hidden by the ivy, and with the quiet that envelops all save when broken by the singing of the birds, they charm every summer visitor. When I expressed wonder at the softness of the sward of Wadham College gardens, the old keeper to whom I was speaking remarked: "When you understand that this grass has been watered, trimmed, and carefully attended these two centuries, you will cease to wonder." The "backs" of Cambridge may be finer than any one of Oxford's college gardens-although it is doubtful-yet each Oxford garden is almost unique in itself. Those of Magdalen are probably the most beautiful of all, although rivaled by those of Wadham and Worcester. It is easy to understand that many find it a weary task to read in sight of the beauty of the groves of Magdalen and of St. John. "When Kubla Khan a stately pleasure dome decreed, he did not mean to settle students there and to ask them for metaphysical essays and for Greek and Latin prose compositions." Kubla Khan would have found a palace to his desire in the gardens of Laud, or where Cherwell, meandering with a mazy motion, stirs the green weeds, and flashes from the mill wheel, and flows to the Isis through meadows white and purple with fritillaries. And here are gardens bright with sinuous rills, Where blossoms many an incense-bearing tree.

You sit in those gardens and you are enchanted-you are intoxicated. Outdoors there is rarely a place for deep study; nature is distracting. I do not wonder that Oxford produced Shelley, Southey, Swinburne, and Ruskin. They are the natural growth of such an environment. Blackstone, Hobbes, and Bishop Stubbs are surely of exotic growth.

The rivers have always been Oxford's greatest natural attraction. "What can be more charming than to float lazily down the Cherwell, shaded from the sun by the overspreading trees, or listlessly to saunter beneath elins and beeches in the fine old gardens." How indelibly printed upon my mind are boating parties up the Thames to Godstow Nunnery where fair Rosamond was educated, and up the Cherwell toward Magdalen Bridge, with the best of company and good cheer!

A critical review.-Oxford in summer-what an ideal place in which to spend a month! You may not derive much that is lasting from the lectures you attend, but you get that which is far better-the spirit of the place. Some few enthusiasts may cherish the idea that the summer meeting, in affording a month's residence, supplies the only element that is necessary to make a university-extension course the equivalent of at least a part of a university training. But, to my mind, just to the extent this claim is made for the summer meeting and is supported by those who are closely associated with the management, just to that extent does it fail of its purpose, and the whole movement is prejudiced in the minds of the educated classes. The claim, if it is honestly made, is not at all consistent with the avowed policy of the management to offer inducements to educated foreigners to attend-of whom there were 150 present at this last summer meeting. To give young people who attend the idea that they are receiving the equivalent of even a part of a university training would be to do them great injustice and cruelly to deceive them. It would, indeed, be overlaying provincial ignorance with a thin veneer of intellectual varnish that will soon rub off. To cause summer visitors to take themselves too seriously would be to make them the laughing stock of thoroughly educated people. Those enthusiasts who are doing the movement a great injury by making such high-sounding claims could learn a wholesome lesson by studying our own American Chautauqua summer meeting, from which the idea of an Oxford summer school was borrowed in the first instance.

Nevertheless, in its proper sphere the Oxford summer meeting is doing, and can continue to do, with increasing good results, a most admirable work. That sphere, as I understand it, though a modest one in comparison to that of the university, is nevertheless important. It is to broaden the mind and arouse the dormant intellectual faculties. Some absorption of the Oxford spirit will do this. The lectures will do no harm. As someone bluntly though truly remarks of the visitors, “They will carry away with them memories better worth the keeping than those which cluster round a fortnight spent in the noisy, if healthy, vulgarity of the seaside, with its eternal promenade on the pier, its brazen bands, and blatant Ethiopians from the East End."

The Extension students chose well, and they will not regret their quiet holiday in the old university city. Let me venture the assertion that those who attended the Oxford summer meeting in 1897 will not carry away with them Professor So-andSo's lectures, however excellent, but memories of the beautiful gardens of Magdalen,

the graceful spire of St. Mary, the "sinuous windings" of the High, the cool shades of Addison's Walk, the old Sheldonian, Radcliffe, the excursions to Blenheim, Nuneham, and Iffley Mill, the numerous “quads," halls, and chapels, and, last of all, the student good fellowship. "One will have learned much at Oxford which is more valuable than mere book-learning. No one can live free from the influences that surround him; and the influences of Oxford are unrivaled. The glory and romance of her past, her great work in the present, her fine old buildings, where each gray stone has its history, appeal with irresistible force to the dullest soul."

Let me close with a quotation from one of Oxford's most honored sons-Matthew Arnold: "Beautiful city! So venerable, so lovely, so unravaged by the fierce intellectual life of our century, so serene! And yet, steened in sentiment as she lies, spreading her gardens to the moonlight and whispering from her towers the last enchantments of the Middle Ages, who will deny that Oxford, by her ineffable charm, keeps ever calling one nearer to the ideal to perfection?"

VACATION COURSES IN PARIS.

[By H. B. A.]

In July, 1883, was founded the Alliance Française, a national association for extending the French language in the colonies of France and in foreign lands. This patriotic alliance now numbers over thirty thousand. Among the declared objects of the association are the establishment of better social and commercial relations with their colonies and dependencies, and of developing in peaceful ways, beyond the seas, the French race, which, on the continent of Europe, is increasing too slowly. The alliance proposes also to cultivate and unite the French elements which are now scattered in many lands, to encourage everywhere a knowledge of the French language and literature, to draw closer the ties of intellectual and moral sympathy which already exist between France and other countries, and to aid French missionaries and teachers in the Orient and elsewhere to found and maintain schools.

Among the ways and means for promoting these objects the alliance has established, wherever practicable, courses of instruction for adults. It has given subsidies to existing schools favoring the work of the alliance. It has instituted prizes and stipends. It has sent out French books to local libraries and committees engaged in this work of French propaganda. It has trained professors of French for foreign lands. It publishes bulletins of information. There are now over one hundred local committees in France engaged in this work of French propaganda, and in foreign lands over seventy committees in active cooperation with the alliance. It expends annually in this missionary work of extending French culture not far from $50,000. The French Alliance was approved by the minister of the interior in 1884, and was recognized as an establishment of public utility by decree of the President of the French Republic October 23, 1886. The general secretary of the alliance is Monsieur Pierre Foncin, 45 rue de Grenelle, Paris. Annual membership costs $2; life membership, $36. A founder pays at least $100, a benefactor $200. Women are allowed to join.

In October, 1893, the question was first raised by a lady teacher, Mlle. Porte, whether it would not be fitting for the French Alliance to institute an examination board for the purpose of awarding a special diploma to foreigners certifying to their acquaintance with the French language and literature. After due consideration of the project by the administrative council and a special commission it was finally determined, January, 1894, that the French Alliance should organize, during the summer vacation, courses of instruction specially designed for foreigners and teachers who desired to perfect themselves in a knowledge of the language, literature, and

institutions of France.

At the end of these summer courses a committee on exam

inations should award diplomas according to merit. Monsieur Foncin, the general secretary of the alliance and inspector-general of public instruction, was authorized to select professors for the work proposed, to prepare programmes, and arrange

details.

On the 9th of July, 1894, the so-called Cours de Vacance of the French Alliance were opened in Paris. From the outset this educational enterprise, resembling an