The many-coloured undergraduate looks as if he had been designed by the architect of the “Five Orders Gate” in the Schools’ Quadrangle. His hat, his face, his tie, his waistcoat, his boots, represent the five orders; as in his great original, the Corinthian is predominant, and like that, he would never be thought possible, if he had not been seen. Yet he moves. Despite his elaborate appearance--destined to endure perhaps for all time, or as long as a shop-front--it is impossible to guess what may be his activities. He may be a famous oarsman or cricketer, in which case his taste forbids him to adopt the broad blue band of his rank, unless there are ladies in Oxford. He may be a hard-working student who adopts this among many methods of showing that his successes fall to him as naturally as Saturday and Sunday. He may be an amateur tragedian, or magazine-wit, or æsthete, who finds the costume less embarrassing although less distinguishing than cosmetics and an overcoat of fur. He may be a billiard-player who has chosen this contrasted, barry, wavy set of colours as his coat of arms, or the perambulating _mannequin d’osier_ of several tailors, a transcendental sandwich-man. Or he may be a “blood” of many great connections and expenses; genial in his sphere; pleased with the number of his debts and the times he has been ploughed in “Smalls”; hunting or rowing keenly, while he lasts; and except when he has to work (which sends him to sleep), a sitter up at nights over cards and wine-- Strict age and sour Severity, With their grave saws, in slumber lie. We that are of purer fire Imitate the starry quire. Or his great expenses and connections may not exist. He is perhaps a poor and worthless imitation of all that is great,--who does not know Lord X., of whom he tells such dull stories,--whose relatives are neither retired, nor in Army, Navy, or Church,--and entirely respectable in the Vacations, when he earns by his own self-sacrifice what was earned for his models by the [Illustration: THE BATHING SHEDS, OR “PARSONS’ PLEASURE” These sheds are built on the banks of the river Cherwell, the willow trees lining the stream being fitted with platforms at all heights for plunging. A figure to the right is taking advantage of one of these stations; others are dressing or preparing to bathe. The time is near sunset in summer.] unscrupulousness of their ancestors. In short, he may be a most brilliant, most fascinating, or most modest person, who has chosen to appear piebald.