We observe with pleasure that Oxford is no longer content
to leave to Cambridge all the efforts that are to be made for the higher education of women. A Ladies' Hall is to be established in Oxford, under the superintendence of Miss Wordsworth, who is to be the first Lady Principal. The Hall is to be established "on the principles of the Church of England," but "with pro- vision for the liberties of members of other denominations" to secure to students " a common life with the ways and tone of a Christian family ; the protection of certain rules as to hours, society, &c.; general supervision of studies ; definite religious instruction ; and the advice and assistance of a lady of experience and other high qualifications, acting as Lady Principal." The Warden of Keble (Rev. E. S. Talbot), the Dean of Oriel (Rev. A. G. Butler), Mrs. Talbot, Mrs. Nutt, and other well-known Oxford personages, are on the Committee ; and a subscrip- tion has been opened with Messrs. Parsons and Co., Old Bank, Oxford, to defray the expenses of starting the scheme. The cost of education will not be great. The general expenses of the Hall will be about 275 a year, and 215 more will defray the fees for instruction, so that for 2100 a year a frugal girl will pay her way completely. The present intention appears to be to get young women to pass the University examinations for women over eighteen years of age, but we hope that this may not be the limit of the managers' exertions. Occasionally, at least, there are likely to be women who, by proper instruction, would become quite as well fitted to answer the papers set at " Moderations " and" Greats" as young men,—if not as young men of quite the same age, at least of a some- what younger age. We are glad to see that "the authorities of the
Hall reserve for their own decision in each individual ease, for what examinations (if any) students shall be required to offer themselves." But why "if any ? " Surely the case ought to be very exceptional indeed in which students are to be allowed to reside without proposing to offer themselves for any test what- ever of the use made of their opportunities. Young women who have no practical test in view, will get very little good from their studies.
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