the poor-house. We were informed that near Norden there is a colony for
thieves and gipsies, who are sent to this place and compelled to build
themselves huts and cultivate the land. They are strictly watched by the
police, and severely punished when they attempt to go away without leave.

We had a long and tedious ride, through deep sand, to Leer. On our arrival
we made inquiry about Fredericks-Oort, but could obtain no intelligence,
nor could we find it on the maps which we borrowed for examination. This
was very discouraging; for I had hoped, if it was right for us to go, we
should find some one to give us certain directions to it. I slept but
little, and next morning set again to work, and found there was a Jew in
the town who travelled much in Holland. I desired he might be sent for; he
came, and immediately gave us directions where to find the places we
wanted.

I ought not to omit remarking the comfortable feeling that I was favored
with, riding from Wittmund to Aurich [on the way to Leer]. In reflecting
in stillness where we had been and what we had done, I felt not only peace
and inward satisfaction, but thankfulness filled my heart that we had been
thus far enabled to do what we believed to be in the way of our duty. This
Scripture language passed through my mind: "Blessed are ye that sow beside
all waters, that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass." (Isa.
xxxii. 20.)

11_th_.--Left Leer about eleven o'clock in the morning, and expected
to arrive at Assen at eleven or twelve at night, but to our great
disappointment we travelled the night through, and only reached Assen at
seven next morning. At Wehndam on our way we rested the horses. Our friend
L.S. went for an hour to bed, and my M.Y. and self sat in the carriage and
would have slept, but there came so many admirers of our vehicle that we
could not sleep for their almost continual remarks about its elegance,
convenience, &c.

This part of Holland is fruitful; the houses are clean and neat; and the
dress of the women very singular. Their caps have a plate of silver or
gold on each side almost like a helmet, and sometimes very costly. At the
inn at Nieuweschans [on the borders of Germany and Holland], the cook had
one of these golden helmets which had cost about 150 florins.

In these flat countries they have no spring water; the land lies so much
below the sea that all is impregnated with salt. Rain water is used for
drinking, and the meth