ten as ordinary English readers would pronounce
them, in preference to using the diacritical marks with which I have
been long familiar in the writing of Hindustanee in the Roman character.
The term "Hindu" is so established that I have used it in preference to
"Hindoo."

At the end of this book the reader will find statistics fraught with
interest to all who wish to understand the great Indian problem in its
many aspects.

It is impossible to keep one's self out of view in a work like this; but
I hope the candid reader will give me credit for saying as little of
myself, family, and doings as is compatible with the conditions under
which I have written.

I beg to dedicate this book to the friends of Christian Missions, in the
hope it may increase the interest of some in that great Continent, with
its teeming population, which has in God's providence come under the
rule of our land, and has special claims on our prayers, sympathy, and
efforts. I cannot doubt that my Indian friends, both those who have come
back to England and those who are still in India, will give a kindly
reception to the volume. They will, I believe, confirm the general
accuracy of my statements, and to a large extent acquiesce in my views.
With them so long as my heart beats it will go forth in heartiest wishes
and fervent prayer for the land with which our past has so inseparably
bound us.

J. K.
ACTON, August, 1884.

[Illustration]

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

_From 1838 to 1839. Voyage to India and the City of Palaces._

Voyage. First Impressions of Calcutta. Changes since 1839. Messrs.
Piffard and Lacroix. Schools. Visit to Serampore. 1

CHAPTER II.

_Voyage to Benares--March, 1839._

Various Modes of Travelling. The Sunderbuns. Fellow-passengers. Storm.
Study of Hindustanee. Scenes on the River and its Banks. 9

CHAPTER III.

_Arrival at Benares._

The Rev. William Smith. Congregation of Beggars. The Rev. W. P. Lyon.
Native Service. Settling down. 15

CHAPTER IV.

_Missions in Benares from 1816 to 1839._

The Baptists first in the Field. Eurasian Agents. The Church Mission.
London Mission. Orphanage of the Church Mission. 20

CHAPTER V.

_1839 and 1840. First Year in Benares._

Views Enlarged and Modified. Study of Hindustanee. Undue Complacen