Apart from the contemplation of electrical effects, these amusements may appear somewhat puerile.  It should therefore be observed that our people generally retain to the last an almost child-like freshness of feeling, which renders them keenly susceptible to the most innocent pleasures.  The tragic drama is for us extinct.  Towards the middle of my reign, plays based upon crime ceased to be heard with pleasure, as the new generation, trained under the wholesome influence of my laws, could scarcely understand a plot relating to passions entirely foreign to their nature.  The writers for our theatres, properly so called, have since that period confined themselves to subjects illustrative of country life in plain and mountain, and to incidents which, though happening at a distance, are known to occur.

No accidents arise.  Our professors are very skilful, knowing the exact quantities of electricity required for a given time, and at what rate its power will decrease.  Electricity in all its variations is thoroughly understood by our electricians.

Electricity, indeed, now forms part of the studies of youth in general, and its leading features form part of the early knowledge taught to both girls and boys.

There are races and public games of all kinds, and, besides the fetes and amusements given by private persons, there are balls and social reunions given by the districts.

Even children have their parties and balls, to which they are taken from four years of age and upwards.  The labouring people, or poor, have theirs.  They go to work more cheerfully when they know that amusements are to follow, and return to their labours with redoubled energy.  They are now contented and happy.

Old people, although allowed to attend the soirees of the young, have parties of their own, to which none who have not passed a certain age are admitted.

One day in the week is set apart for amusements of all kinds.

To the reunions given by the districts, all who have passed a certain age are invited, every seven days, until the age of forty; after forty, once in three weeks; after sixty, once in every six weeks.  All who have not passed their fortieth year are expected to attend these reunions.  Those who have passed forty may attend as often as they please.

INTRODUCTION OF STRANGERS.

Amongst these reunions there are balls and parties given on certain days in every month, for the introduction of strangers coming from other parts, who are received in a separate room by the Master of the Ceremonies, or, as we say, “Introducer of Strangers.”  Having satisfied himself of the status of the strangers, this officer announces the name of the eldest and conducts him round the great room, where all the company are assembled, which duty performed, he conducts the guest back to the strangers’ room, and then, having returned into the assembly-room, asks if any one wished to make objection to the stranger’s reception.  If none is made, the visitor is escorted back and presented to the whole company, and the most distinguished amongst them are expected to take him by the hand and seat him by their side.