ABSENCE OF EDUCATION. 233 



without, at the same time, implying reproach or 

 censure upon them, a thing altogether foreign to 

 my meaning. The fault, in fact, does not lie with 

 the individuals; so far from it, that when, in any 

 instance,, the opposing causes happen to be remov- 

 ed, and opportunities are presented for improving 

 their minds, the effect is so remarkable, that it is 

 impossible not to hail, with satisfaction, the pro- 

 spect now opening, by which the means of im- 

 provement, heretofore rare and accidental, may 

 become general, and within the reach of the whole 

 society. 



It was really painful to see so many young la- 

 dies of excellent abilities, anxious to learn, but 

 without any means of improvement, receiving 

 little or no encouragement from their seniors, 

 and the very reverse of encouragement from the 

 priests. 



With respect to the men it may be remarked, 

 that they probably unconsciously have contri- 

 buted, by their behaviour to the women, to ag- 

 gravate the effect of the other causes which have 

 been adverted to as degrading their country. They 

 had no share whatever in the government, or in 



