THE Wisconsin Reporter gives the following from a letter received from Sister Ida Thompson, who writes from Canton, China, under date of May 29:—
“We have many interesting experiences here. Things are not done according to American fashion, I assure you, but we are learning the customs gradually. It is a great blessing to the work here that it requires months to learn the language, for the practices are so different that we would be sure to make great mistakes were it not for this waiting time.
“Elder Anderson is daily holding meetings with the natives, and has quite a congregation each time; but it is somewhat different from holding meetings in America. Here men will be passing, carrying large burdens—perhaps two large baskets containing as much as two or three bushels of fruit or various other articles. The baskets are placed on the floor while they listen to the talk, perhaps from five to thirty minutes, according to their time and inclination, when they will go away again. Some remain during the entire service, of course, but the above is a very common occurrence. Some will, by this means, however, receive the seed which germinates, and leads them to further investigate.
“At present there is a favorable prospect for a boys’ school here, which Mr. Anderson hopes to open in the fall. We so much need some good teachers. The girls’ school, which opened March 17, surprises us. Not one pupil has dropped out. We teach them from the Bible and from Bible stories, and while with but one exception they are heathen, they seem to enter into it with deep interest.
“I am pleased for invitations to visit and teach in nice homes. Of course I can not do very much thorough teaching yet, but I am making a little advancement. Our health has improved this year, and this encourages us.”