The daily morning journal and courier., 1898-02-26
THE MOUNTAINS OF CHINA
SEEN IN 4 CHRISIM4s MISSIONARY
 TRIP REV. ". |. BEARD.

Tn Shelton-The Rocks Of New Ehglhnu
 Cannot Compare-Town of Two Houses
 and One Hundred Population.
 Rev. Willard l.. Beard, of Foochow, China, writes to Shelton, Connecticut, friends of a missionary tour through the mountainous region around Ing Hok, during his Christmas vaca- tion as follows:
 American Board Mission,
 l Foochow, China, Jan. 2, '9S. Dear Ones in America:
 You speak of snow storms and sleigh rides. These are only visions to us Orientals. I returned, Tuesday, Dec. 2S, from Ing Hok with Mr. Goddard. We started Dec. 21. It was about 9 a. m. that we reached the boat that was to take us to Oak Liang. This place we reached about 5:30 p. m., that day. In the evening we had a meet ing with the church members and con- suited about next years work. MT. | Goddard has just finished a nice church and parsonage at this place. The new buildings are all whitewashed on the outside and present a strong contrast to the dirty buildings of the village.
 The pastor and members are justly proud of the new premises.
 After a good nights rest we started Wednesday morning for Paul Sioh, a village about twelve miles away and about 2,5Oo feet above Gak Liang. The first three miles the path was level, then we began to climb, till we reached Puai Sioh about 1:3O p. m., a steady climb all the way. We had three coolie loads of bedding and food. It was rather tough for the coolies. After a dinner of rice, meat and potatoes we went all over the mountain to see the church members and other villagers. How I wish some of the people in New England, who talk about rocks, could see the farms that these people have to work. The side hill is so steep in places that one cannot find footing, and yet these side hills are all used for growing sweet potatoes, peanuts, rice, etc. I saw one little patch which I measured; it was three cornered. Each side was eighteen inches. On the three sides were stones and there was no oth- CT field on the same level, the others being either higher or lower. In it were two hills of sweet potatoes.
 The land is all in terraces. The fields are of all sizes, but one may say that on an average they are four feet wide and one terrace is about four feet above next.
 Wednesday evening, we held an in- teresting service with the church mem bers and a few of their friends, who came in. This Is a new field The oldest Christians joined the church only little over year ago. But the Christian atmosphere was fresh and enlivening. You would have enjoyed seeing these men and women listen to the story of Christ's birth, as told in imperfect language by the foreigners. After the meeting they planned for the work of next year. There are about fifteen members here and as many more who are interested in the Truth. The room in which we met has been furnished free of rent for two years, by one of the members. It is on the sec ond floor. Beneath Is a stable. The walls are of mud with no plaster. In one corner is flaming mill and in one end loft on which were various farm ing implements, ploughs, barrows, hoes, etc These people sat in this room | for the glory of God with just as much enthusiasm as do men In America when they are planning to build a church that will cost tens of thousands, These people were planning how to most wisely spend $6.
 We were ready for a good sound sleep that night. It was cold, but fire for warmth is an unheard of luxury here. We were glad to get into blankets and get warm. Thursday morning, after breakfast and prayers with a few of the Christians who came in, we were, at 8:15, ready to start for U Ngiang, a place still further up in the mountains and back from the river. Two of the Puai Sioh Christians went with us for the purpose of taking us to houses of several other Christians on the road These men were over 50 years of age, and our walk was not fast. We first ascended 800 feet, then descended 1000 feet then went up 1000 feet. These two men were earnest Christians. One, in particular seemed to have gotten filled with the belief that God was over and in, all things. When we spoke of any danger his response was that if we trusted in God there was nothing to . fear.
 On one of the high peaks was large boulder. I should say it was 100 feet in diameter and looked as if it's fasten- ings were not very secure; I asked him if it would fall down. He replied , What God has made cannot fall , down." I thought he ought to be con- mended for his faith, at least. This day we were fed twice on the journey with roasted peanuts, consequently were not so hungry for dinner as the day before. At U Ngiang there are only two houses; the population numbers about one hun dred. The church is one of the largest rooms in one of the houses. As in Puai Sioh the room is given without rent and in it are various farm imple- ments. It is on the ground, without a floor.
 We took dinner and started for Ding Sang Tan, 1000 feet or more above U 2 Ngiang There is no work here but 7 some of the Christians at U Ngiang l have relatives up here and wished us , to go up and see the place with view l to starting a work in the future. The l path is straight up the mountain. At the top we found a plateau with pop 5 ulation of 5000, among whom not one had heard the Gospel I realized here