As I remarked above, I think fagging on the whole a laudable institution. Some of the stories here related may not perhaps seem to put it in a very pleasant light; but it must be remembered always, that it is much mitigated at present, and also that, in a light and somewhat gossiping production like this, there is more movement and life in such anecdotes than in a relation of the ordinary kindnesses shown by the bigger to the lesser boys; certainly, I have a more lasting general recollection of benefits received than of cruelties suffered; and in after-life, in the rough struggles of the world, happy is he who has gone through such a training. Here there is no tuft-hunting—wealth and rank have little influence, if the heart is not open and hand skilful. A boy learns to help himself, not to be disheartened in difficulties, and to be prepared for any emergency; and withal a keen sense of honour, friendly rivalry, and patriotic feeling, is continually kept in action. Commend me in a row, moral or physical, to your public schoolman: in the former case, he will very probably be endowed with the judgment, decision, and self-reliance so necessary in such an emergency; and in the latter, he will be likely to stand firm, and know the use of his left hand as well as his right, and when, where, and how to bring both into play. [Illustration] [Illustration: PLAN OF WINCHESTER COLLEGE 1835-40] [Illustration] CHAPTER II. OF THE LOCUS IN QUO AND DRAMATIS PERSONÆ. Plan of College Buildings—Dons—College Præfects—Candlekeepers—Dress—Choristers—Commoner Buildings—Præfects—Coursekeeper. Before entering into particulars it will be necessary to give the non-Wykehamist reader some idea of the arrangement of the College buildings, and of their various uses in the general economy of the institution.