Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1887 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXXIV. LANGUAGE, LITERATURE, AND FOLK-LORE. A MONG all classes in China, learning is highly esteemed and earnestly sought. Schools for boys, supported by voluntary contributions, exist in almost every village, and may be attended even by those who cannot afford to pay for tuition. As a matter of fact, scarcely any women, and but a very small portion of the men, know how to read; but the highest offices below the throne are open to the poorest in the land, as the reward of literary attainment. Stories are told of a poor student who bored a hole through the wall of his house, that he might have the advantage of his neigbour's light; and of a boy who fastened his book to the horns of his ox, that he might learn while ploughing; and of a discouraged scholar, who was impelled to renewed exertion by hearing a woman, who was rubbing a crowbar on a stone, say that she wanted a needle, and having only the crowbar, was determined to rub it down to the required size. Every attainment in literature offers immediate rewards in social esteem and pecuniary advantages. Examinations are frequently held in the district cities, and those who succeed in them may attend the examinations held twice in three years at the Departmental City, and conducted by the prefect of the department, and chancellors from Peking. Those who creditably pass this examination have conferred upon them the degree of Siu Chai, or Promising Talent. They are thereafter exempt from corporal punishment, are sure of lucrative positions as teachers or scribes, and are held in high honour in their native towns. Twice in three years an examination is held in the provincial capitals; and all those who have taken the degree of Siu Chai may be examined for the higher degree of Ku Jin, ..
