At the last procession of Captives, at Paris in 1785, the manly, noble air of those that wore long beards was greatly admired; nevertheless, these were slaves. It has always been esteemed in all nations; those people, to whom nature, too sparing of her favours, has denied this characteristical mark of our sex, the Laplander, the Japonese, and especially the American, whose beardless chins made people doubt a long time if they were men, are sensible of the imperfection of their constitution and temperature of body. The Chinese regard the Europeans as the first people on earth, on account of their thick beards; and though nature has been so sparing to them in this mark of virility, yet they are particularly attentive in cherishing what little they have. Both the Lacedemonians[8] and Egyptians have considered it as a mark of wisdom. In order to obtain a favour among the Greeks, it was only to touch the beard of him that could grant it, to insure success.[9] Footnote 8: Nicander replied to some-one who asked him why the Lacedemonians wore long hair and let their beards grow out: _Because_, said he, _it’s the finest ornament that a man can wear, and which costs least and becomes him most_. PLUTARCH. Footnote 9: _Antiquis Græciæ in supplicanda mentum attingere mos erat._ PLIN. lib. ii. cap. 45. The beard was not solely the mark of philosophy, but became likewise the pledge of the most sacred oaths and promises. It has been sometimes the object of the gravest discussions and most particular attention of a number of learned men; nay, most of the legislators of the world have not thought it beneath their notice.