Prussia and the German System of Education. 21 



latter is strictly prohibited) and other lawless and vulgar 

 habits still disgrace several of these learned institutions, 

 especially in smaller towns, as Jena and Geissen, where 

 the students hold the citizens or " Philistines," under 

 their control. But with proper allowance for national 

 genius and taste, German students lose nothing by com- 

 parison with those of Oxford and Cambridge, while in 

 industry they generally surpass them. 



"A German student," says a recent English writer, 

 " does not feather his oar in a university boat or regatta 

 day ; he does not kick the foot-ball on Parker's piece ; he 

 does not skilfully take the balls at a cricket match. 



" These gentle pastimes would not satisfy his bolder and 

 noisier disposition. His thoughts are more excitable and 

 somewhat enthusiastic. His manners are more cordial 

 and unreserved. His appearance and demeanor are less 

 aristocratic. Yet he is well-bred, spirited and high- 

 minded ; he is frank and open ; a faithful friend and an 

 eccentric lover of his Fatherland. He is a sworn enemy 

 to all falsehood and all deceit. Peculiar notions of honor 

 and a deep love of independence and liberty belong to his 

 most deep-rooted principles. Song and music, social 

 parties, convivial fetes, a martial, undaunted spirit, and 

 excitement of the patriotic feelings throw over his life an 

 enchantment which gilds it yet in all his later recollections." 



The students live not in one building, as is generally 

 the case in our colleges, but are scattered through the 

 town. They spend . from two to five hours every day in 

 the lecture rooms and the rest of the time in reading 

 and writing at home or in intercourse with tbfeir fellow 

 students. The majority, especially the "foxes," as the 

 fresh-men are called, join the social clubs, the members of 

 which generally wear or used to wear peculiar colors on 

 their caps, flags, and breast-bands, and meet on special 

 days at a particular inn or private room. At their meet- 



