taken by feebler, though not less efficient agencywoman came to the rescue of her debased sisterthe wives of missionaries, and females, even singlehanded, went forth in the might and majesty of benevolence and truth; and entering upon this sphere with a generous and ardent zeal, they braved and vanquished the greatest difficulties-the languages, prejudices, climate, and natural sloth and indifference. Their progress has already been triumphant, their success most cheering, and their prospect is more glorious than the mountains of a warrior's prey, the conquests of the proud invader, and the laurels of the titled hero. Natives of wealth and influence have pronounced blessings on their name, have entered into zealous cooperation, have led their own children into the flowery paths of wisdom and instruction, or have opened their own secluded and obscured domestic circles for the visits of the teacher, and the ennobling communications of universal knowledge. At every mission in peninsular and northern India, are now schools for females, with an average attendance of one female for every nine boys; while the instruction afforded to the former is probably more select and practical than what is imparted to the male scholars. Institutions for female education are also in efficient operation in the chief cities of India. There will soon be a cultivated and enlightened seed among the Hindoo females, which, as a handful of corn on the top of the mountains shall shake like Lebanon, and flourish like the grass of the earth. The leaven will work till it has leavened the whole lump. We speak from personal intercourse with intelligent brahmins, whose minds had been illumined with general knowledge, though perhaps, not sanctified under the influence of divine truth; and we do not doubt but a few years will exhibit a change of the most gratifying nature, in the character and pursuits of women in India. TRAVELLING REMINISCENCES. A LINGERING indisposition, which seemed to baffle the power of medicine and the skill of practitioners, had laid me aside from activity, and cast a cloud over my prospects. Change of climate and occupation were enjoined. I had set my heart on a visit to the island of spicy groves, and a sojourn with some endeared transatlantic friends, who had come forth there with the ambition to do good. My medical attendants, however, assured me that such a change would be fatal to my life, with the affection under which I laboured. A northern, or at least, a colder region, presented the only probability of recovery. Not from choice, then, but necessity, was another route pursued. A partial convalescence encouraged a farther experiment, by which I was led from one region to another, feebly performing certain duties, till I had traversed many hundred miles overland, and by water. It was not deemed prudent that I should travel alone: I started from the presidency, therefore, accompanied by one whose zeal and love were a solace and support under drooping sickness and protracted disease, and whose ministering care was often needed, and never withheld in the time of need. Another friend travelled with us during part of the way, and by his amiable and prompt, as well as judicious cooperation, we enjoyed many consolations in our route, and alleviations of the fatigues or privations incident to so lengthened a journey. I shall not again recur to the stages of our progress below the Eastern Ghauts. The high tableland of the ancient Carnata, the country of the modern Mysore; Malabar, the country of the Nairs; Canara, the Tulava of former times; the shores of the Mahratta country; the Concans, north and south; the fragments of Portuguese dominion from Goa to Damaun; the presidency of Bombay, the chiefship of Surat, the ruins of Mahratta warfare, the fertile districts of Guzerat, and the coasts of Cambay, will more than occupy the space I have allotted for this chapter. I can only skim the surface of memoranda which recount scenes and incidents as various as the localities through which I passed, or the different tribes with whom I mingled. My mode of travel permitted me to visit most of the more remarkable places repeatedly, and scenes were presented at one time which had not been witnessed at another. I shall not, therefore, transcribe a bare itinerary of stages, arrivals, and departures, but I shall avail myself of the opportunity of grouping incidents, as well as persons; I shall, moreover, attempt to paint the events, without introducing my bulletins of health, or bill of fare. A personal narrative would be impertinent to my object. The collector of Arcot, and other Madras civilians contiguous to the Ghauts, had chosen Pulamanair as a cool retreat from the heat of the Carnatic, and several most agreeable bungalows or chateaus had been erected for their temporary residence. I was received by Mr. —, the collector, with the hospitable urbanity so characteristic of the country civilians of India. His connexion with the highest authorities of the Indian direction was close, and his influence and patronage were great. His estimable lady was of exalted worth, equal to her lineage and station. But they were both disciples of Christ, and not ashamed to make the declaration of their adherence to the cause of evangelical religion. In our conversational inquiries and discussions, the "Waverley Novels," and other productions of Scott's fertile pen, passed under |