Fourteen Years in Basutoland. By John Widdicombe. (Church Printing Company.)—Mr.
Widdicombe, who has a parish in Basutoland, gives us here the result of a long experience. He has much that is interesting to say about the country, about the people, and about his work among them. The history of the country is curious. Its native timber has perished, but new trees have been largely planted. The flora has been in particular enriched by many fruit-trees. Wild animals, excepting conies, have been almost exterminated. The story of how the mission work grew under his hands is told in a most interesting fashion by Mr. Widdicombe. The "Rectory of St. Saviour's, Thlotse Heights," had very humble beginnings. Ind, as may be supposed,
there have been troubles without, as well as difficulties within. The writer has something to say about South African politics, a subject
which he found himself unable to avoid as he had intended. He has had, too, grievous trials of his own, losing his wife, and a dear and valued colleague. There is now a permanent church, which, it is gratifying to know, has been entirely paid for. One of Mr. Widdicombe's stories we must quote. Our readers will not be surprised to be told that it is about his cat. This was an animal of altruistic ways quite uncommon in the race. She was a great hunter, but always gave her companions the largest share of her prey. But her crowning achievement was this. In February, 1883, a great hail-storm fell on the station. After it had passed, while the hail was lying thick on the ground, Mr. Widdicombe found her standing in the middle of the ice, not attempting to move. It was found that she had nine kittens under her, four of her own, and five belonging to two companions which had deserted them and fled for shelter to the house. This is certainly a book to be read.
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