letter-writing, takes its place. In the evening
of the same day, is made known the list of
successful candidates for ordinary degrees; this
list contains about one hundred and sixty names,
and is also divided into three classes; but in
these the names are arranged alphabetically,
in order to take away all appearance of honour.

But, the morrow is the true "Degree Day."
At ten o'clock, the Senate House doors are
thrown open, and its beautiful hall is speedily
filled with a most brilliant assemblage. Along
the sides, and far into the body of the room,
are tiers of gaily dressed ladies; fair faces
fill a portion of the galleries; caps and gowns
innumerable take possession of the remainder;
while the floor is occupied by Doctors, Masters
of Arts, &c., in their various dresses; and last,
not least, the heroes of the day, or, as they are
called, Incepting Bachelors, wearing their
picturesque hoods. The ceremony of conferring
the degrees is somewhat long and tedious; but,
omitting details, it may be observed that each
man is led up, by the proper officer of his
College, to the Vice-Chancellor of the
University, who sits in state at the head of the
hall—and that he returns, a Bachelor of Arts.

The Senior Wrangler has the distinguished
honour of receiving his degree before any
proceedings are taken with his less successful
rivals; the deafening and universal applause
which thereupon breaks forth from all parts
of the building, is almost overpowering in its
heartfelt earnestness; it is a worthy tribute
to youthful talent and perseverance, and goes
far to reward the happy student for his
years of toil and drudgery.

A WELSH WEDDING.

THE ancient festivities connected with
marriage are still retained in the rural parts of
Wales. When the day for that ceremony has
been fixed, "bidding papers" are dispatched
to all friends, within possible distance. The
Squire generally finds one laid on his table,
and usually responds to the pecuniary part of
the invitation. The following is a specimen
of one of these papers:—

      "CARMARTHENSHIRE, Nov. 15th, 1850.
"As we intend to enter the MATRIMONIAL
STATE, on WEDNESDAY, the 4th day of December
next, we are encouraged by our Friends to make
a BIDDING on the occasion, the same day, at the
Young Woman's Brother's House, at which time
and place the favour of your very good and most
agreeable company is respectfully solicited; and
whatever donation you may be pleased to bestow
on us then, will be thankfully received, warmly
acknowledged, and cheerfully repaid, whenever
called for on a similar occasion,

"By your most obedient Servants,
"DAVID PRICE,
"ELIZABETH JONES.

"The Young Man, with his Brother and Sister
(Richard and Mary Price), desire that all gifts of
the above nature due to them be returned to the
Young Woman on the above day, and will be
thankful, together with his Uncle, and his
Brothers-in-law and Sisters, and then? Wives, for all
additional favours.

"The Young Woman and her Sister (Anne
Jones) desire that all gifts of the above nature
due to them be returned to the Young Woman
on the above day, and will be thankful, together
with her Brothers and Sisters-in-law, and her
Uncles and Aunts, for all favours granted."

As soon as the heroine of the day makes
her appearance in bridal array among the
assembled guests at her father's house, her
friends proceed to hide her in the most
unattainable place possible. Should the
dwelling not afford such accommodation, the
cow-house and stables are invaded, or even a
neighbour's domicile. When hidden, notice
is given to the bridegroom's chosen
representatives, who are four or five in number;
they advance to the door, and demand the
fair prize from her father. The bride's chosen
spokesmen reply to those outside. All the
stock of wit possessed by either party is
exchanged, amidst general hilarity, until the
claimants are admitted to seek the lost one.
Sometimes, she is so hopelessly concealed, that
time creeps most alarmingly near twelve.
When matters assume this serious aspect
some kind friend is found to act as guide, and
she is found, amidst universal acclamations.
The bride's perils are, by no means, over;
for, instead of going quietly to church, where
the bridegroom has been waiting, his
delegates make an attack upon her appointed
body-guard. The poor girl often gets very
rough handling, between the combatants;
and, should the opposing one be victorious,
she is carried off to some place of concealment,
until again rescued. When, at last, the lady
reaches the church gate, her betrothed comes
forward, attended by two girls, determined,
apparently, to make the most of his last
unfettered minutes. He then, having shaken
hands with his future father-in-law, receives
and conducts his bride to the altar.

The instant the ceremony is over and the
names registered, a furious scene of racing
commences—very dangerous at a "horse
wedding." The fleetest courier wins the pint
of ale awarded to the bearer of the first
intelligence from church to those at home.

On the arrival of the new couple they are
seated at a table, each holding a plate for the
reception of "bidding money;" and beside
them a friend with a little book, in which are
entered the names of the lenders, and the
amount—for the promise to return, in kind,
is taken au pied de la lettre. The debt is
strictly one of honour, and if not repaid on
the marriage of the creditor, is sure to be
demanded. This ceremony over, the bride
retires to change her dress—or make some
alterations in it and,—on her return, attends
upon her guests. A table is laid out with a
very simple cold collation—bread, cheese, and
butter—of which all partake, who choose.
This may seem but poor hospitality, especially