The projector and conductor of the work here offered for public approbation, confesses himself to be not a little solicitous about the success of his undertaking. He is anxious that credit should be done to the subject; at least that it should in no way be disparaged by his labours: and he is ambitious of the good and favourable opinion of those by whose countenance and encouragement it has been fostered. A few introductory remarks may possibly serve to pave the way for the reception he so earnestly covets.

The greater number of readers, it is hoped, will find so much interest in the matter of the work, as to be little curious about the origin of the undertaking. To those, however, who would question what could have induced the collector to project it, while other works exist similar at least as to their object, he has only to reply, that his inducement has simply been, a very strong desire to see justice done to a subject which has long engaged his own warm affections, and has, he believes, deservedly excited a powerful interest amongst all that class whose tastes he would be most anxious to gratify.

In what may be termed the external and internal structure of the University itself; its walls and buildings, its treasures and depositories, its customs ancient and modern, bygone and present, its course of studies, the effect of its habits as developed in the manners characters and amusements of its members, there is most abundant material for every department of the work, both by pen and pencil.