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Paris served as a centre to the whole and was the object to which the young men, admitted by the King directed their views. It was held up as a recompence to those who most distinguished themselves by their progress in the different studies. For that purpose a royal inspector, commonly a General Officer, accompanied by two Mem- bers of the Academy, made every year a re- view of the schools. The examination was made in his presence with the most scrup- ulous exactness, and those of the pupils who, to their proficiency in study, received the testimony of the Regents in favours of their character, were admitted to the Military School of Paris.
From their entrance info the school at an early age, the minds and bodies of the pupils were kept in constant employment ; and their instruction continued tor 7 or 8 years ; during which time, the most unremitting care Was equally bestowed on all. The most able masters in every branch gave up all their time to direct the studies of the youth, and inspire them with sentiments of virtue. The study of ancient and modern languages, of history, of geography, of mathematics, and the various branches of military science, formed the basis of their education. And in these establishments while the utmost atten- tion was paid to youthful instruction, the a-greeable was not forgotten ; that, by ren-
