History of the Parsis : including their manners, customs, religion and present position : with coloured and other illustrations : in two volumes

CHAP. VI.] PARST APTITUDE. 297

may be taken as the surest index of the state of education among the Parsis. The rising generation of Parsis are all receiving an English education, be they rich or poor. Within the last twenty-five years a number of Parsis have been sent to England for their education, in order to qualify themselves for the liberal professions. One of the first natives of Western India who went to England to qualify himself for practice at the bar was a Parsi, Mr. Phirozsha Meryanji Mehta, a distinguished graduate of the Bombay University, who, though still young in years, has, by his ability and public spirit, not only acquired considerable rank at the local bar, but has also attained a high position in the general community. He is at present Chairman of the Municipal Corporation of the city of Bombay.

The Parsis are not only very quick learners but they have shown remarkable aptitude in imparting instruction, although the language employed is not their own. They conduct high schools very successfully. Out of numerous instances the name may be mentioned of Mr. Jamshedji Ardeshir Dalal, who has held the post of Vice-Principal of the Elphinstone High School with much distinction. The principal of the Sir Jamshedji Jijibhai Parsi Benevolent Institution, which is attended by over one thousand boys, is Mr. Dosabhai Nasarvanji Wadia, a distinguished Parsi graduate of the Bombay University, and we