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.
The enclosed Report on the Smith's Prize Examination will be discussed at the same time.
I will consider what is best to be done on the subject to which your note refers, without delay. With many thanks,
I am,
Very faithfully yours,
H.W. COOKSON,
The Astronomer Royal.
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