FRANCE 



473 



desire for tmiformity, at any rate in outward conduct. Their lives are regulated entirely with 

 a view to observing les convenances, which means that they are more conventional and subservient 

 to the opinions of their neighbours than even the corresponding classes in our own country 

 Thrift is one of their most important characteristics. They have a horror of debt, and it is 

 almost second nature to a Frenchman to economise and live within his means, however small. 

 This trait in their character sometimes appears ridiculous, but it has done much to restore 

 France to the great position among nations which she came near to losing altogether after 

 the Franco-Prussian War. Ostentation in dress or style of living is rarely seen. On the other 

 hand, the French are generous in setting before strangers the best they have to offer. Consequently 

 the tempting variety of the dishes and the simplicity with which they are served, combined 

 with the good taste and absence of stiffness shown by his hosts, procure for the guest in a 

 typical French house far more enjoyment than he would experience in a more showy mansion. 



We are rather apt to suppose that the frequency with which the French have changed 

 their forms of government is due to fickleness and levity of disposition. This, however, is 

 not altogether true. The ordinary Frenchman troubles himself very little about politics, and 

 makes the best of whatever regime he may 

 happen to be living under for the moment. He 

 is far too much concerned in the care of his small 

 fortune to wish for social upheavals. Politics 

 he leaves to the professional politician and the 

 journalist. 



Until 1882 France was badly off in the 

 matter of education, and this accounts to some 

 extent for the lack of depth and knowledge dis- 

 played in the easy rattle of French conversation. 

 Now, however, education is general and com- 

 pulsory. Primary instruction is given in the 

 communal schools found everywhere throughout 

 France, while secondary education is provided in 

 lycees or colleges. Higher education of the kind 

 afforded by English universities is to be obtained 

 in the "academies," of which there are sixteen. 

 Technical training is also supplied, and the whole 

 system of education is under the direction of a 

 Minister of Instruction. 



The lycee is eminently a republican institu- 

 tion. Boys of all grades meet on a footing of 

 equality. They wear a plain, dark uniform, and 

 their life is conducted on semi-military principles. 

 Although the teaching is of excellent quality, 

 there is none of the training in manners which 

 is found in English public schools. The State 

 does not aim at turning out gentlemen, and 

 recognises no class distinctions. Lycees and 

 compulsory service in the army supply the country 

 with a monotonous type of citizen, and establish 

 a cut-and-dried pattern to which everybody and 

 everything must conform. The college, on the 

 other hand, is slightly more aristocratic in its 

 methods. It is the last stronghold of clericalism 

 in France. Instruction is given by priests, and 

 the sons of the nobility are generally sent to 



Photo by Willard 



A BRITTANY BOY. 



60 



