The more modern history of Cephalonia nearly corresponds with that of Zante; and its population, as might be expected, presents most of the same general features. In some points, however, there are shades of difference. The Cephaloniotes being less wealthy, are more enterprising than the natives of Zante; and by their quickness and activity have long obtained distinction among the other people of the Levant. The young men of the island, wherever means can be afforded, are sent to Italy, generally with the view of studying law or physic, the professions to which they principally attach themselves. Only a certain number return to settle in Cephalonia; the remainders either procuring situations in Italy, or migrating to various parte of the Levant for the-purpose of seeking employment. Medicine is on the whole the favourite object of pursuit; and it is probable that from no equal, amount of population in the world, are so many physicians produced as from that upon the small isle of Cephalonia. There is scarcely a large town in European Türkey where one or more Cephaloniotes may not be found engaged in medical practice, and pursuing their fortunes with an assiduity, which is generally successful in as far as circumstances render it possible; it is said to be a common prayer of the sages femmes of the island, when a female child is born, “that she may be happy and hare a physician for her husband”. There is a similarity among all these islanders, in whatsoever situation they are found, which cannot fail to strike the attention of the traveller. They are generally quick and ingenious in their conceptions; adroit, as well as active, in their affairs; in their manner, bustling, loquacious, and verbose; and with a temper disposed to litigation and intrigue. When you talk to a Cephaloniote, you find him argumentative, yet insinuating, dealing much in moral truisms; which, though given with form and gravity, obviously mean very little from the mind. As a natural effect of their character, petty feuds are very common in the island ; and an ample provision is made at home for most of the young lawyers who come, from the Italian schools. In Cephalonia, as in Zante, the corrupt feebleness of the Venetian government allowed the formation of parties, which usually had their origin in personal broils, and were prosecuted therefore with extreme asperity, and with manifest ill effect on the condition of the people. The petty aristocracy of Cephaloniote Counts, who are the chief proprietors in the island, were also the principal agents in these feuds. Most of these men have been educated in Italy; but coming home without profession or employment, their trifling rank becomes hurtful to their future character, and they waste in the form of intrigue that active talent which is habitual to the natives of the island. This party spirit in the higher classes, and the evils it entailed upon their dependents, have been checked by the English government in Cephalonia; but it may be feared that the influence will be one of short duration only.
