11 APRIL 1868, Page 2

The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, this day week, terminated

in what is now the usual way,—Oxford winning,—by three or four lengths. It is said that neither crew was up to their average standard of merit, though the race was rowed in the shortest time on record, under 21 minutes. Yet the outside interest excited by it was far greater than ever,-500,000 spectators being, it is said, present, where a few years ago there were but 10,000. What is the reason of the enormous increase of the public interest in it? We suppose it must be partly due to the increased attention given to it in the press, which has familiarized the public with its details, partly to the growing popularity of all physical accomplishments.