Philadelphia.
_Custom at University College, Oxford._--What is the origin of the
following custom observed at this college? On every Easter Sunday the
representation of a tree, dressed with evergreens and flowers, is placed on
a turf, close to the buttery, and every member there resident, as he leaves
the Hall, after dinner, chops at the tree with a cleaver. The college-cook
stands by holding a plate, in which the Master deposits half a guinea, each
Fellow five shillings, and the other members two shillings and sixpence
each; this custom is called "chopping at the tree." When was this custom
instituted, and to what circumstance are we to attribute its origin? Who
presented to the chapel of this College the splendid eagle, as a lectern,
which forms one of its chief ornaments? Was it presented by Dr. Radcliffe,
or does it date its origin from the happy reign of Queen Mary?