S6 Transactions of tJic South African Philosophical Society. 



it would appear as if University competition had been too keen for 

 efficiency, and we consequently learn not only of affiliated colleges, 

 but of Universities federating with each other in order the better to 

 serve the interests of the community and to promote the means of 

 reaching the common end in view. 



We may present the results of a brief examination of the Univer- 

 sity of Toronto, which is undenominational in its character, and has 

 in addition to its University college, three theological colleges 

 affiliated, and one University confederated with it, the latter being 

 the Victoria University, originally associated w^ith the Methodist 

 Church. The teaching faculty of the Toronto University is very 

 complete, and includes a provision which is perhaps unique. It 

 provides for the optional subjects of Biblical Greek, Biblical 

 literature. Christian ethics, and kindred departments of learning, but 

 any provision for instruction and examination in the same is left to 

 the voluntary act of federating Universities and affiliating colleges. 

 In connection with this there is an express provision to prevent such 

 subjects becoming compulsory in the University itself. 



When the federating principle comes in between minor Univer- 

 sities and that of Toronto it is according to this provision. On 

 federation the University concerned suspends its power to confer 

 degrees, save in divinity, and is then entitled to representation on 

 the Senate of the University of Toronto, the fact being notified to 

 the parties concerned, the federation is in due course proclaimed by 

 the Government. 



The due representation of the federating bodies is evidently 

 regarded as a distinctive and essential figure. 



As in the Australian Universities students coming forward for 

 examination are required to present certificates of attendance at the 

 ectures of the federating Universities, according to local regulations, 

 n tne case of colleges established for specific purposes, such as 

 medical halls, certificates are required of attendance at the prescribed 

 course of instruction, and by this means what are otherwise 

 independent hospitals and faculties are made to serve the purpose of 

 the University, to the advantage of both students and Universities. 



In order that deserving students, who are unable, for personal 

 reasons, to receive instruction in any federated or affiliated institu- 

 tion, may not be debarred from advancement, the Senate reserves to 

 itself the right to give admission to the different examinations, on 

 such conditions as the senate may from time to time determine. 



In some Canadian Universities we find another feature set forth 

 in their respective constitutions which is worthy of notice. In- 

 corporated theological colleges are given the power to confer their 



