This is the regular routine, the order of exercises, in Chinese schools. Grammar, as a science, is not taught, nor are the mathematics. For excellence in these two branches, public prizes are awarded by the resident literary sub-chancellor. But public exhibitions and declamations are unknown, though Chinese fathers sometimes visit the schools. The relations of the sexes are such that a Chinese mother never has the presumption to appear at the door of a schoolroom in order to acquaint herself with the progress of her child's education.
Parents furnish the textbooks as a rule.
They are bound into volumes and printed usually with immovable type. The pupils usually behave well. If not, the rattan stick comes promptly into use. Chinese teachers have a peculiar method of meting out punishment. I remember an episode in my school life which illustrates this.