d the paganism. The reason of all this is
that near here, and in this temple, numerous Mongols put up when
they come from Mongolia to Peking. Our premises being three or four
miles away, and in a busy part of the town, the Mongols can't
easily find our place; so if they can't come to me I just go to
them. I came here yesterday, and can't tell yet how I may get on.
Mongols are shy in Peking, and even out here a little difficult of
access; but I must do what I can, and have patience.

'Just now a company of eight or ten have arrived and put up, three
or four of them in the same court with me, the others in a place
close by. These are likely enough to come to see me; of course I'll
go and see them. You in Madagascar, I suppose, can't realise what
it is to be a missionary to a people whom you can't approach
without difficulty. Here the difficulty does not end; those I can
catch don't care one straw for Christianity. They have a system
which quite satisfies them, and what more do they want? Such is
their feeling, so you see I have got quite plenty to do; a hard
enough task, even the human part of it. But don't mistake, I am not
bewailing my lot, for that I have neither time nor inclination; I
am only telling you about my state.

'I don't believe much in people talking about what they mean to do
in the future, but perhaps you will permit me to say that I would
like to start for Mongolia again in February or March. I have got a
sheepskin coat, so need not fear the cold. I perhaps may take with
me a stock of made-up medicines for specific diseases which are
common, and this may make an introduction in some cases at least.
Dr. Dudgeon has on our premises in Peking a hospital well attended
by Chinamen, and I go there sometimes and see how he doses them.

'Now let me tell you a little about the inner life of Mongols.
People travelling through Mongolia wake up in the morning as their
camel-cart passes some rural encampment; they rub their eyes and
say, "How pleasant it would be to live in Mongolia like these
Mongols, free from care and the anxiety of busy life. They have
only their sheep, &c., to look after." This reflection is
accompanied with a sigh when they reflect on their own hard lot.
Now the fact of the matter is, these travellers know nothing about