the master of arts retains one resembling that of the canons regular, who lived as fratres, according to the rules or canons of Augustine; and hence their name. The Augustines wore a black robe. The Benedictines and Cistercians had their distinguishing colours, the former black, the latter white a, which each considered as an emblem of his order; Certe hæc vestium nigredo antiquitus humilitatis causa a Patribus inventa,-cum a vobis rejicitur, said the Benedictines to the Cistercians, meliores vos ipsis candorem inusitatam præferendo indicatis: Petrus Cluniacensis, Lib. 1. So, again, hanc autem nigredinem, quæ primi patres, tam regulares clerici in cappis, quam monachi in cucullis, ob humilitatis specimen usi sunt.— Hence our cap and hood-though their hood covered the head, ours, perhaps, more resembles the scapulary of the Carmelite ".-Of the same origin is the scarlet robe of our professors. At Glasgow, the students wear a scarlet gown. What we have said of professors' habits, we might say of that of noblemen's, including baronet's, but all must be taken with allowance for such additional ornaments, as may have been introduced in a later age.

Some, it is well known, both in former and the present times, have objected to these habits on account of their origin. But, if we object to every thing that has passed through popish hands, and for no other reasons, we must carry the objection, where it could not apply: and many of those who have made the objection, have been inconsistent. The habits in our churches, and in our universities may, and certainly have, the same origin: and men who make objections, if they would be now consistent,

b Asceticwv, p. 300.

Avanaboy, Superhumerale, or, perhaps, more still, the Melos,

must carry the objection further. The Presbyterian should lay aside his robe, the Independent the solitary patch of band, and all, the obnoxious black coat, (I speak now the language of William Penn,) for all these our ministerial and graduatorial distinctions must be allowed to have the same origin.

Were I disposed to object to them, and were this the proper place, I should object to them on different ground. But my business is rather to state than to censure, or to commend. As these dresses are now considered, they are only made honorary dresses, or as the characteristic marks of gentlemen's standing in the university. In Mr. Loggan's Cantabrigia Illustrata, are fine representations of persons of all ranks in the university, in their different habits.

EXERCISES for degrees often give proofs of literary eminence: but those who know how they may be obtained, and how not, in all the professions, will not lay stress on them, nor think less of those, who have not chosen to take them. Advantages are attached to them; and it is desirable, that no obstructions should be laid in their way. In the ensuing volume, their only use is, to identify persons, to settle dates, and to shew the rank of members of the Academial Body.

END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.

J. G. Barnard, Skinner Street.