The last time I was there the place was white with sheep, for we have got the edge of the plateau grazed down, and sheep can get the short bite there.

We have cleaned up all the kraals, and the chiefs are members of our county council, and are as fond of hearing their own voices as an Aberdeen bailie.

It's a queer transformation we have wrought, and when I sit and smoke my pipe in the evening, and look over the plains and then at the big black statue you and Aitken set up, I thank the Providence that has guided me so far.

I hope and trust that, in the Bible words, "the wilderness and the solitary place are glad for us." At any rate it will not be my fault if they don't "blossom as the rose".

Come out and visit us soon, man, and see the work you had a hand in starting....' I am thinking seriously of taking Wardlaw's advice..