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170 itself to the number of indigent students for whom the above legislative provision was made.

The ceremony of the reception of a doctor in this university is not uninteresting. On the day appointed, at sun-set, the interior of the hall having been lighted, and the doors closely barred, the examination commences before the masters and doctors, who alone are allowed to be present. Between the first and second lessons, an oath is administered by the rector to each of the assistants; and when the second lesson is concluded, four of the doctors, the junior taking the lead, maintain a controversy with the candidate. This does not, however, prevent any one present from making such observations as he may deem essential to his further satisfaction and security. The rector, the president, the four replicants, and the six most ancient doctors of the faculty, now proceed to vote privately; and by their suffrages, the individual who has been examined is either admitted or rejected. The whole concludes by a refreshment of sweetmeats and jellies, substituted to the supper ordered by the ancient institutions of the academy.

On the following morning, the degree is conferred with every solemnity. Provided the ceremony be not, by especial favour, performed in the interior of the university, the chapel of the Blessed Virgin, belonging to the great church, is splendidly ornamented; and thither the graduate, accompanied by the students, collegiates, and do6tors, proceeds to make his profession of faith. The rector having administered to him an oath to defend the mystery of the immaculate conception, and to detest the execrable doctrines of tyrannicide and regicide, the degree is delivered to him by the head master, at the same time that the register invests him with the badges of