A hundred years ago
From the 'Spectator', 11 April 1868—The Oiford and Cambridge Boat Race, this day week, ter- minated 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. And partly also, no doubt, to the apparently rapid increase in the numbers of the class who attend the Universities,, and who therefore, interest their friends and connections in the great match of the year.
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