arms and shoulders. The result of my observation and
experience was, that Ling's system of physical education is undoubtedly
the best in the world, and that, as a remedial agent in all cases of
congenital weakness or deformity, as well as in those diseases which
arise from a deranged circulation, its value can scarcely be
over-estimated. It may even afford indirect assistance in more serious
organic diseases, but I do not believe that it is of much service in
those cases where chemical agencies are generally employed. Professor
Branting, however, asserts that it is a specific for all diseases
whatsoever, including consumption, malignant fevers, and venereal
affections. One thing at least is certain--that in an age when physical
training is most needed and most neglected, this system deserves to be
introduced into every civilised country, as an indispensable branch in
the education of youth.

I found the Swedish language as easy to read as it is difficult to speak
correctly. The simplicity of its structure, which differs but slightly
from English, accounts for the former quality, while the peculiar use of
the definite article as a terminal syllable, attached to the noun, is a
great impediment to fluent speaking. The passive form of the verb also
requires much practice before it becomes familiar, and the mode of
address in conversation is awkward and inconvenient beyond measure. The
word _you_, or its correspondent, is never used, except in speaking to
inferiors; wherever it occurs in other languages, the title of the
person addressed must be repeated; as, for example: "How is the Herr
Justizrad? I called at the Herr Justizrad's house this morning, but the
Herr Justizrad was not at home." Some of the more progressive Swedes are
endeavouring to do away with this absurdity, by substituting the second
person plural, _ni_, which is already used in literature, but even they
only dare to use it in their own private circle. The Swedes, especially
in Stockholm, speak with a peculiar drawl and singing accent, exactly
similar to that which is often heard in Scotland. It is very inferior to
the natural, musical rhythm of Spanish, to which, in its vocalisation,
Swedish has a great resemblance. Except Finnish, which is music itself,
it is the most melodious of northern languages, and the mellow flow of
its poetry is often scarcely surpassed by the Italian. The infinitive
verb always ends in _a_, and the language is full of soft, glidi