Sketches from Formosa.

ARRIVAL IN THE ISLAND 19
seen. It is not necessary to attempt a minute description
of these buildings, with their gardens, courts, halls,
sleeping-rooms, and almost endless variety of out-houses.
One of the courts has a deep well with an abundant supply
of cool, excellent water ; another is given up to those
young men who are in training for the preachership ; a
third affords accommodation for servants and native
visitors ; while the Hospital (including chapel, surgery
and medicine-room) has ample space for the treatment of
fifty or sixty in-patients. My own two rooms are on
the right of the main building facing the entrance ; those
on the left being occupied by Dr. Dickson, my only
colleague in Taiwan-fu, Dr. Maxwell's ill-health having
prevented him from returning to Formosa, when he left
a few months ago.
A fine view is obtained from that part of the city wall
which lies nearest to our house. Looking eastward the
eye travels over a wide plain, which, with the exception
of roads and a few temples, may literally be spoken of
as one vast field of sugar-cane. Further inland, the
country is also very fertile, although less suited for
agricultural purposes on account of its great uneven-
ness. The rising ground commences a few miles east
from Taiwan-fu, and gradually ascends into range upon
range of hills which culminate in the majestic peak of
Mount Morrison, " a name which endears it to the
Christian missionary, and acts as a refreshing stimulus
as he pursues his arduous labours among
heathen at its foot."
the debased
I feel more than ever thankful that God has led me
hither. The kind reception I met with deeply moved me,
and I have seen much that is fitted to make one think
most hopefully of the future. Although it is only two
years since stated Christian work was commenced in this