The New York herald., 1878-10-07
LITERATURE.
ALL ABOUT CYPRUS "MAnRYINo OFF


DAUGHTER" POETRY.
R. worthingtou has just published Cyprus: His
torcal and Descriptive, from tho Earliest Times to
the Present Day." from the German OF Franz Won
Loher, with much additional matter by Mrs. A. Bat
Joyner. Al this time Cyprus Ia the observed OF
all Observers General d CesnoIa, by his discoveries,
attracted the attention oil students AMI lovers Of the
antique to II, and politics have recently drawn
the attention OF the public that direction. err
Loner has travelled, and geutly, over every
portion Of the island and he gives most satisfactory
description OF tho country and It's people he landed
at Larnaka the chle seaport OF Cyprus the entrance
TO which is through expansive bay, whose borders
are broken by bare and rocky hills and backed by
chain OF mountains. With tho exception OF
casional block OF marble butt into the walls OF
house, or sarcophagus utilized as receptacle for
water, Herr Loher saw nothing 10 recall the
ancient power OF the busy crowds that once
animated this spot. Their tombs, excavated
In ne stratum OF chalk which lies below,
were once filed with marble sarcophagi, which, can
by century have been dragged out and employed
Tor building purposes Hence the name given 10 this
town for Larnaka, literally interpreted. means SIM
ply a coffin The whole of this interesting island,
says Herr L0her, may be regarded huge grave
yard the treasures OF which disclosed at every
turn OF the spade.
Until thirty years ago schools strictly pro-
hibited In Cyprus. whereas every town has Its
training schoo while IN three OF the chief towns
Larnaka, Nikosia and Limosol-these are OF three
grades, and In them taught history, geography
and Grccian literature even TO the reading oil Homer
and Xenophon The prices Of these classes are from
100 TO 300 marks. ANYTHING over and above this
charge Is covered by the bishop and toll upon the
exports and imports OF the town. Agriculture, It
seems, docs not flourish in Cyprus the table-ike
rocks that cover the plains are considered ny tho
Cypriotes TO be useless for agricultural purposes.
Herr Loher several OF these plains TO test
Of This assertion, and found the chalk only
visible certain parts tho rest OF the surface being
well fitted the growth OF and other plants.
The introduction OF tho silk worm into Cyprus must
however, be regarded a main OF long pros
perity.
Domestic lifc in Cyprus s generally confined within
precincts OF beautiful gardens. and In Of
its relations II is strictly Turkish. Women Of the
higher classes IN Nkosa a delicate white veil
and siiken garments instead OF the bright blue yel-
low and rod veil usually seen In other towns. The
women Of Nkosia walk lightly and gracefully, instead
OF presenting the appearance, as do many Of thor
country women OF stuffed sacks rolling along, and,
unlike Turkish ladies, can often boast neat and
slender figures. In Evrychu, which Is described as
the preitiest and most populous village Of Cyprus,
Herr Loher that the people differ from the ort,
stout inhabitants oi the coast and pains They are
well grown and finely made, and their complexions
fresh and blooming. Among the women and girls be
noticed great number OF pretty faces and attributes
this the fact that these people descended from
the old Greek settlers while those In tho open coun-
try and the descended from a mixed
race Of Italians, Syrans and negroes All
along tho mountain range be noticed q strong
likeness to the Greeks OF several Islands In
the Archipelago. As for manners, he
tinues, well would 1t be II the awkward English
could initiate The grace with which these villagers
performed the most ordinary act Their peculiar
customs numerous and Interesting. No sooner Is
a guest lodged than woman or girl appears and
offers him apple With tho most winning grace.
This is intended as q hosptabic welcome. II you are
given any kind Of solid food napkin Is placed
your knees glass Of water is presented TO you on
the open palm OF the hand, and always accom-
panied by good wish, the giver remaining Standing
until the glass returned, when another wish Is
pressed tnat the water may do you good Whom you
ABOUT to leave women and girls appear and throw
the leaves OF the olive and other fragrant plants into
the 1re rho parting guest Is expected to 60 through
tho form Of smelling these leaves, in token of his
bearing away In his mind sweet impression OF tho
kindness no has received
Herr Won Loner describes the bulk of the popula
ton devoid OF all energy, OF sluggish temperament
and obstinately addicted 10 ancient customs They
hospitablc and exceedingly amiaD'e In their
domestic relations. rhe women are very good
housewives and very active. The g,rls are full
OF life especially festive occasions, fond OF
gaudy colors and dress very fantasncaily. Eiemen-
tary schools established In all the larger villages,
ana others OF superior class In tho three principal
towns Of the island. Tho Greek bishops and many Of
the popes havo been educated in these Inter, at
Athens, and arc generally men OF culture, but most
OF the village priests and monks are as ignorant as
tho peasants among whom their lives are passed.
Greek Is the universal language used throughout
Cyprus and even found It's way into many OF the
Turkish houses.