When it is remembered that the Tartars compose one-half of the inhabitants and are numerous in the districts about Erivan, the poor show which they make among the inmates of this important school is a very significant fact. As a body, they shut themselves off from Western education; and for this reason they appear destined to be edged out by the Armenians, as a species unable to adapt itself to the new environment. They are still in possession of some of the richest land in the province, and many among them are wealthy men of leisure. These khans occasionally send a son to the school. But the Director informed me that youths of this class were rarely successful; they were indolent and left at an early age. Those who belonged to the middle class stayed longer and were much more hopeful. Although I passed through every room while the students were pursuing their tasks, I only counted six Tartars, all told. The method of procedure was extremely entertaining. Accompanied by the amiable Director, I was introduced to the presiding usher, who would descend from his daïs and extend his hand. Some fifty to a hundred bright black eyes were focussed upon us; all were standing, not a muscle moved and not a sound was heard. Then some such little comedy as this would be gone through:-- The Director (addressing myself in German). "This is the Latin class. Permit me to present you to M. ----off". (In Russian) Pupils, you may sit down (a single clap and shuffle--perfect silence). You, Sir, will please address the Professor in the Latin tongue." Myself (after a long and embarrassed pause). "Gratias ago; clementiam, benigne rector, reposco. Consuetudinem linguæ Latinæ parum conservo. Verum versus video in nigra ista tabula inscriptos, mihi valde familiares: 'O utinam tunc quum Lacedæmona classe petebat, obrutus insanis esset adulter aquis.' Vellem interrogare discipulos quisnam ille fuerit adulter." The Usher (a forlorn and crushed individual. At first listless; but he encounters the flashing eyes of the little Director, and stammers). "Sv ... svit ... niet, niet ..." (and he proceeds in Russian). The Director. "My colleague desires me to state that he quite understands what you said. You wished to express admiration of our new blackboards. I thank you in his and my name. Is there any question you would like to put?" Myself. "There appear to be about thirty boys in this class. I wonder what proportion Tartars bear to Armenians among them." The Director. "Russians, stand up!" (some four or five fair-haired and closely-cropped youths rise in their places. Their faces show intelligence, and one likes them)--"Armenians, stand up!" (the first batch sit down; practically the whole class springs to its feet)--"Tartars, stand up!" (one little boy at the extreme end of the class confronts his seated schoolmates).