us sowing
imperishable seed destined to bear untold fruit. Finally, after more
visits from herself, and special inspectors appointed by Government, a
new house of correction was built in Jersey, while other improvements
necessary to the working out of her prison system were, one by one,
adopted.

In January, 1838, she paid her first visit to France, being accompanied
on this journey by her husband, by Josiah Forster, and by Lydia Irving,
members of the Society of Friends. True to her instinct, she found her
way speedily into the prisons of the French capital, examining,
criticising, recommending and teaching. She could not speak much French,
but some kind friend always interpreted her observations. From her
journal it seems that solemn prayer for Divine guidance and blessing
occupied the forenoon of the first day in Paris; after that, visits of
ceremony were paid to the English Ambassador, and of friendship to other
persons. Among the prisons visited were the St. Lazare Prison for women,
containing 952 inmates, La Force Prison for men, the Central Prison at
Poissy, and that of the Conciergerie. The first-named, that of St.
Lazare, was visited several times, and portions of Scripture read, as at
Newgate. The listeners were very much affected, manifesting their
feelings by frequent exclamations and tears. Lady Granville, Lady
Georgina Fullerton, and some other ladies accompanied Mrs. Fry to this
prison on one visit, when all agreed that much good would result from
the appointment and work of a Ladies' Committee. Hospitals, schools, and
convents also came in for a share of attention; and after discussing
points of interest connected with the prisons with the Prefect of
Police, she concluded by obtaining audience of the King, Queen and
Duchess of Orleans.

On the journey homeward the party visited the prisons of Caen, Rouen and
Beaulieu, distributing copies of the Scriptures to the prisoners. She
notices with much delight the united feeling in respect of benevolent
objects which existed between Roman Catholics and herself. Her own words
are "a hidden power of good at work amongst them; many very
extraordinary Christian characters, bright, sober, zealous Roman
Catholics and Protestants."

In the commencement of 1839, the low state of the funds of the different
benevolent societies formed in connection with her prison labors,
exercised her faith. None ever carried into practice more fully the old
monkish maxim _Labor est