vi.] PROFESSORIAL LIFE. 133 



candidate's proficiency. These need not here be detailed. 

 Spite, however, of the excellence of these regulations, 

 candidates for the degree came forward but in small 

 numbers. In 1837 there were seven candidates ; in 1838, 

 six; in 1839, one only. The Faculty agreed to recom- 

 mend this gentleman for a degree without examination. 

 In the two following years there were five and two 

 candidates respectively. 



' These numbers show that the first effect of the new 



m was rather preventive than encouraging. But 

 however great the difficulties, Forbes did not lose 

 heart. Various modifications were from time to time 

 introduced into his scheme, chiefly by himself, such 

 ;lie allowing the different branches to be taken in 

 separate years, and awarding honours in the several 

 departments. To Forbes belongs the credit? of having 

 ised and brought into working order this well- 

 appointed scheme, and for this the University owes him 

 a lasting debt of gratitude. 



* It will be seen from the above that one great feature 

 in his character was order or method. He was on 



in a thorough disciplinarian, as well in his own class 

 as in University matters. He was orderly in the extreme. 

 His class examinations were fixed year after year for 

 corresponding days, and his colleagues were compelled to 

 accommodate themselves to his unbending requiivin. -nt-. 

 It must not, however, be inferred from this that there 



anything harsh or unkindly in Forbes' dealings with 



colleagues. On the contrary, he was thoroughly 



ily, though somewhat cold in manner. His principle 



of action was * straight forward ' a principle admirable in 



itself, but apt to carry its bcaivr rather sharply againM 



an opponent, who, even if adopting the same principle, 



have thought fit to travel to it by a different route. 

 ry great question lie had thoroughly nia<L' up his 



1 had so carefully considered the subject and so 

 completely mastered it, that he could not appnviate the 



rmined opposition which his vi apt to n 



with from some of his colic-agues, who jually with him- 



