made plates to place over the woodwork which the pipe passes through. An
old bucket has been placed round the piping near the roof as an extra
safeguard against fire. Our bedrooms have been whitewashed, and to-morrow
we hope to move our things into them. I really find a deck-chair most
comfortable; lined with pillows it does splendidly as a bed.

We like the people; they are generous and kind. Repetto is most helpful.
This afternoon he has been fixing the washing-stands. Every one is so
interested in seeing anything new; the stove especially is an object of
great interest.

_Saturday, April_ 2l.--It has been very wet. The men have now finished the
house, and we have devoted ourselves to getting things a little more
shipshape.

I gave Repetto the material A---- had sent, telling him to divide it
amongst all the families; he was very grateful. They do need clothing so
badly; some of their clothes are much patched. They all wear white
stockings. The women are very good knitters, and are nearly always to be
seen with knitting in their hands, even in their walks to and from the
potato patches. I wish they could throw as much energy into cleaning their
houses, only one or two of which are kept clean. Their shoes (moccasins)
are made of cow's hide and are most quaint. They are made of one piece,
with a seam up the front and at the heel. Little slits are cut round the
edge of the shoe and a string run in to tie on with. As there is no
leather sole their feet must always be in a wet condition in rainy
weather. It rains so much that the thickest boots are needed to keep the
feet dry. The need of these has just been brought home to us by a flood at
our back door caused by the stream overflowing. Graham has now got Bob
Green to divert it, which is a great improvement. The pathway, too, in