I am struck with the almost nugatory character of the five days’ honour examination as applied to Senior Optimes, and I do not doubt that it is totally nugatory as applied to Junior Optimes.  It appears to me that, for all that depends on these days, the rank of the Optimes is mere matter of chance.

In the examinations of the Civil Service, the whole number of marks is published, and also the number of marks gained by each candidate.  I have none of their papers at hand, but my impression is that the lowest candidates make about 1 in 3; and the fair candidates about 2 in 3, instead of 1 in 10 or 1 in 13 as our good Senior Optimes.

I am, my dear Master,
Very truly yours,
G.B.  AIRY.

The Rev. Dr Cookson,
  Master of St Peters College,
    &c. &c.

The Table referred to in the above letter is as follows: 

Number of Questions, and numbers of Answers to Questions as given by several Wranglers and Senior Optimes, in the Examination of Mathematical Tripos for Honours, 1868, January 13, 14, 15, 16, 17.

Number of Questions and Riders in the Printed Papers.

Questions.  Riders.  Aggregate. 
In the 10 Papers of the 5 days 123 101 224

NUMBER OF QUESTIONS AND RIDERS ANSWERED.

Questions.  Riders.  Aggregate. 
By a Wrangler, between the
1st and 7th 69-1/2 25-1/2 95 1 in 2.36
By a Wrangler, between the
12th and 22nd 48-1/2 12-1/2 61 1 in 3.68
By a Wrangler, between the
22nd and 32nd 36 12-1/2 48-1/2 1 in 4.62
By a Sen.  Opt. between the
1st and 10th 17-1/2 5 22-1/2 1 in 9.95
By a Sen.  Opt. between the
10th and 20th 14-1/2 2 16-1/2 1 in 3.60

G.B.  AIRY.

1868, March 12.

* * * * *

ST PETER’S COLLEGE LODGE, CAMBRIDGE,
March 13th, 1868.

MY DEAR SIR,

I am much obliged by your letter and enclosed paper.

Anything done in the last five days by a Junior Optime only shews (generally) that he has been employing some of his time mischievously, for he must have been working at subjects which he is quite unable to master or cramming them by heart on the chance of meeting with a stray question which he may answer.

The chief part of the Senior Optimes are in something of the same situation.

I think that the proposed addition of a day to the first part of the Examination, in which “easy questions in physical subjects” may be set, is, on this account, a great improvement.

Our new Scheme comes on for discussion on Friday next, March 20, at 2 p.m. in the Arts School.  It is much opposed by private tutors, examiners and others, and may possibly be thrown out in the Senate this year, though I hope that with a little patience it may be carried, in an unmutilated form, eventually.