Basutoland by H. C. OLMSTEAD

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 7, 1912

Basutoland

By H. C. OLMSTEAD

We have much to encourage us here in north Basutoland. The fence around our twenty-four-acre mission site is sufficiently completed so that we now have a place all our own for our sheep, goats, etc. It does seem good. The native helper's house is being built, and almost enough stone is quarried for the school-house and the stable. The mission house is beginning to look like a dwelling. I have nearly completed the roof. In three months we expect to be living in two rooms. It will be a good mission house, at a total cost of £130. I am doing the work on it at odd times, between evangelistic and other duties, so it goes slowly.

Our native school is progressing nicely, and the Sabbath-school and various meetings are fairly well attended. A few are interested, and two are keeping the Sabbath. We have a special Bible class each Friday evening for three interested young men. The people and chiefs are still friendly, especially old Chief Jonathan.

The three hundred twenty-five fruit-trees I planted last July and August are growing, as well as the eight hundred grape-vines and the seven hundred berry vines. As many more cuttings are growing this summer. Grapes do well here, and we shall have an abundance in a few years. Cuttings cost nothing, and are but little trouble. I might add that we have six acres of mealies, three acres of Kafir-corn, and two acres of oats planted, with four acres more to plant. H. C. OLMSTEAD.