to argue the point, but merely mentally registered the partiality for hieroglyphics as another of the eccentricities of this singular people.
Besides this useless knowledge, the young men are well instructed in natural science, mechanics, chemistry, music and the fine arts.
Music especially, as might have been expected, is thoroughly taught. All who wish to qualify themselves for the higher offices in the legislature or under Government, are well grounded in the intricacies of counter-point, for without a professional knowledge of this, it is impossible to attain a distinguished place in the state or even in society.
Another subject of study, or branch of learning, which is even more generally taught and diffused than any of those I have mentioned, is what goes by the name of "transcendental geography."
The professors of this science are taught in special colleges, in which they obtain diplomas which entitle them to teach the science to others. All ranks and both sexes are expected to acquire a smattering of this science, and there are vast halls where large numbers periodically assemble for instruction therein. This is a science which is cultivated during the whole period of life. No one is deemed to be able to acquire it thoroughly, for all are expected to attend the periodical lectures on it up to the remotest term of life. And yet it seemed to me that all that could be learnt about it might well have been taught in a few lessons. Still it is the established custom of the country to attend the lectures delivered at stated periods, from early youth to extreme old age. None seem to think that they can ever have too much of transcendental geography.
