Cox spent the rest of that summer learning German in the university town of Heidelberg. Set against a backdrop of pine-covered hills, it reminded him of Dunedin in his native New Zealand. He admired the red sandstone ruined castle, the arched bridge over the River Neckar and the old university buildings. ‘Even the students appear picturesque. Most of them wear the uniform caps of the various duelling clubs, and a surprisingly large number have sabre scars on their cheeks,’ Seen as a mark of class and distinction, fencing scars, particularly among students, had been regarded as a badge of
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