COTTAYAM.

Grammar and Female Schools.

THE REV. Henry Baker makes the following Report, at the end of June, of the Grammar and Female Schools, under his own and Mrs. Baker's superintendence.

Grammar School.

There are at present in the Grammar School 59 Boys; who, with the exception of 6 Nairs, are all Syrians. They are, as stated in former Reports, engaged in the former part of the day in the Study of English; and in the latter part, in that of Sanscrit and Malayalim.

The First Class consists of 12, who translate alternately from English into Malayalim, and from Malayalim into English. In the former, they read

Goldsmith's History of England;" and in the latter, it being more difficult to construe their own language into a foreign one, they are reading the Acts of the Apostles; and having but just commenced, they are allowed the use of a Translation: this, however, will not be needed for more than a few weeks. In reading Goldsmith's History, they are also assisted by a Translation; which is given them vivá voce, in as free a style as may be; in order that they may both understand what they read, and avoid acquiring a habit of translating word for word, which would appear stiff, and be, in most cases, unintelligible. They are committing to memory some English Dialogues, principally taken from Valpy's English and Latin; and are allowed to give the Malayalim, in most cases, as wide from a literal translation as the preservation of the sense will allow, although they are required to understand them literally too. They continue to be exercised in Parsing, and to receive Religious Instruction; and, though they have not advanced much in Arithmetic since the period of the last Report, they have by no means retrograded.

The Second Class, consisting also of 12, have been pursuing the same course, but are not so far advanced as the first. They read the Historical Books of Scripture in the same manner as the First Class read Goldsmith's History, but

have no Translation given; and look out the words from the Dictionary. They have just commenced reading from Malayalim to English, and have in hand St. Mark's Gospel for that purpose. With the exception of 2 or 3, at the lower end of the Class, they have all gone through a Catechism of Modern History; but required to be more exercised in it, in order to acquire a thorough knowledge of its contents. In Parsing, Religious Knowledge, and Arithmetic, their proficiency is nearly the same as that of the First Class. These two Classes, usually, on Saturdays, read the Psalms appointed for the Sunday Morning, into Malayalim; and, on the Sunday, read those appointed for the Evening; or, if they happen to be such as they have already read, they read some other portion of the Liturgy.

The Third Class, consisting of 12, are reading the Epistles of St. John: part of them have gone through the Epistle to the Romans, and the Epistles of St. James and St. Peter. They have committed to memory a short Introduction to English Grammar, and are pretty well acquainted with irregular verbs and the conjugation of the regular ones. Most of the Boys in this Class are about 12 years of age and under. They have learnt the Catechisms in Malayalim, and Watts's smaller one in English; and occasionally commit to memory one or two of the Divine Songs for Children, with which they are much pleased,

The Fourth Class, consisting of 10, have read five chapters of St. John's Gospel, and have committed to memory the Introduction to Grammar, First Catechism, and English and Malayalim Vocabulary. Some of them have also committed to memory a few of the Divine Songs.

The Fifth Class, consisting of 13, have in hand the First Reading Book, the Spelling Cards, and Vocabulary. Several Boys, belonging to this Class, have been obliged to leave on account of ill health, and four or five of them have been lately admitted.

The method of teaching, adopted in the Grammar School, is one which necessity first led me to, for want of proper Books, and particularly of Dictiona

ries; but I have now seen such advantages arise from it, that I think I should not be disposed to alter it, were I ever so well supplied with books. The difficulty of bringing the Natives to speak the English Language, in a place so remote from the residence of any considerable number of people speaking it as Cottayam is, appears at times insurmountable; but, by the blessing of God, it is wearing away; and I think I may say, with reference to the Boys in the Grammar School, that the method of teaching, there pursued, has been a great means of effecting this desirable object.

Female School.

In the Female School under Mrs. Baker's charge, the number of Children is now increased to 42, and parents are frequently coming and requesting to have their children admitted; but, as means are wanting to support them, they are obliged to be sent away. Those now in the School are getting on, both in their reading and in various kinds of useful works, as well as can be expected. There is little to say respecting the hours of study and working, as these things have been stated before; but a few particulars respecting the benefit which the School has been of already, and is likely yet to be, will be acceptable to those friends of the Society who take a lively interest in this branch of its concerns.

About a year ago, a Girl who left the School, and was soon after married, took her spinning-wheel with her to her husband's house. At first, her husband was much opposed to her working: she however persevered, spun some cotton, and brought it on market-day; and, with the money which it fetched, purchased some articles and took them home: she repeated this several times; and now her husband is quite pleased, and gives her every encouragement.

Another of the Girls, who is a Roman

Catholic, went home to see her parents; and, on her return, mentioned the following circumstances. She went to Church with her mother, and took her book with her. After the Mass was over, the Priest took her by the hand, and asked her to read a chapter or two in the Gospel; and she did so. He was pleased with her, and told her to come the next day and read to him. After that, he gave her a piece of work which he was then making, to sew a little: when he saw she could sew, he was much pleased, and said to her that she did right in going to School, and gave her a few plantains. He then said, I find you can sew; but I have heard that the Girls in the School do not know any thing about house-work, and he told her to sweep the pathway, near the Church. She did so. Well said he, I see you can sweep: now tell me what ingredient will you use in makking a curry: she satisfied him on this head also, and then, with her parents, took leave of him.

Another Girl, who left the School a short time ago, and is also married, comes daily, and is a very useful assistant in the School. She helps to get the work ready for the Girls, and teaches the beginners to spin and sew; and promises soon to become still more useful. Several others have left, or are about to leave, who have a prospect of being settled; and, from having learnt reading, some kinds of needle-work, &c., by the blessing of God there is no doubt will turn out well.

It is hoped, that, in course of time, the work of the Children will go a little way towards the support of the School; but, at present, little more has been done than making a commencement. It is a pleasing fact, that, since the commencement of this School, more Girls have attended the neighbouring Schools than before.

THE Rev. William Smith, having received the Instructions of the Committee on the 3d of June, and having been commended in prayer to the blessing of God, previous to his joining the North-India Mission, embarked, with Mrs. Wilkinson, at Ports

mouth on the 26th of June, in the "Elphinstone," Capt. Aldham, and sailed for Calcutta on the following day.

PROCEEDINGS OF ASSOCIATIONS. Staffordshire - June 13: Sermons by Senior Secretary; Morn. at Parish Church, Newcastle-under

Lyme, Coll. 177. 138.; Aftn. at Lane-End, Coll. 14798. 6d.; Even. at Caverswall, Coll. 81. by Rev. Robert Simpson; Morn. at Burslem, Coll. 101. 58. ; Aftn. at St. George's, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Coll. 111. 158.; Even. at Barlaston, Coll. 81. by Rev. Clement Leigh, Aftn. at Burslem, Coll. 67. 68. 4d.: by Rev. Robert Mayor, Morn. at Checkley, Coll. 6%.; Aftn. at Alveton, Coll. 61. 08. 6d. June 14: Meeting at Leek, Rev. Heathcote, Chn., Coll. 87. 78. 6d.; and at Lane-End, Archdeacon of Stafford, Chn., Coll. 87. 12s. 6d.-June 15: Burslem Meeting, Archdeacon of Stafford, Chn., Coll. 47. 78. - June 16: Newcastle-under-Lyme, Archdeacon of Stafford, Chn., Coll. 127. 68.

Cheshire-June 27: Sermon, by Senior Secretary, at Bowdon, Coll. 117. 158. June 29: Sermon, by Senior Secretary, at St. George's, Macclesfield; Contributions by Friends, 161.

Lancashire-June 20: Sermons, by Rev. Prof. Scholefield, Morn. at St. George's, Everton, Coll. 331. 148. 8d.; Aftn. at St. David's, Liverpool, Coll. 11. 158. 6d.; Even. at St. Andrew's, Coll. 417. 58. by Senior Secretary, at Seaforth, Coll. 251. 58. 2d.June 22: Liverpool Anniversary, Rev. R. P. Buddicom, Chn., Coll. 237. 10s. 6d.-June 23: Sermon, by Senior Secretary, at St. Andrew's, Coll. 291. 08. 5d.June 24: Meeting of Collectors at Everton, Coll. 87. 08. 6d. June 25: Sermon, by Senior Secretary, at Parish Church, Preston; and Meeting in the Evening, Rev. R. C. Wilson, Chn.; Colls. 91. Os. 2d. -June 27: Sermons, by Senior Secretary, Morn. at Flixton, Coll. 11. 108.; Even. at St. Luke's, Manchester, Coll. 531. 88. 8d.: by Rev. Prof. Scholefield, Morn. at St. John's, Manchester, Coll. 8.; Aftn. at St. Paul's, Coll. 271. 58.: by Rev. H. Boutflower, at All Saints', Bolton, Coll. 57. 38. : by Rev. W. Thistlethwaite, at St. George's, Bolton, Coll. 297. 38. 3d.June 28: Anniversary of Manchester Association, Rev.Mr.Thistlethwaite, Chn. At this Meeting the zeal of the Society's friends was shewn in the donation of several large sums by individuals; and the total amount of the Coll. was 3291. 88. 6d.-June 30: Sermon, by Senior Secretary, at Clement's, Manchester, Coll. 187. 108. 4d. July 2: Meeting at Lancaster, Coll. 51. 58.-July 4: Sermon, by Rev. F. Leicester, at Warton, Coll. 161. 98. 8d.

Yorkshire-June 20: Sermons by Rev. F. Leicester; Morn. at Birstal, Coll. 147. 158. 9d.; Aftn. at Batley,

Coll. 3.; Even. at Tong, Coll. 57. 118. 8d.: by Rev. R. Mayor, at' Honley, Coll. 147. 38. 6d. - June 21: Huddersfield Meeting, Rev. J. C. Franks, Chn., Coll. 117. Os. 8d.-June 22: Dewsbury Meeting, Rev. T. Reyroux, Chn., Coll. 31. 08. 5d. June 23: Woodhouse Meeting, Rev. W. Madden, Chn., Coll. 57. 14s. 6d. June 24: Honley Meeting, Rev. Jones, Chn., Coll. 67. 118. 3d.; and at Holmfirth, Rev. - Taylor, Chn., Coll. 21. 10s. 2d.-June 25: Birstal Meeting, Rev. H. Robinson, Chn., Coll. 47. 108.; and at Slathwaite, Rev. Jackson, Chn., Coll 21. 48.-June 27: Sermons, by Rev. F. Leicester, Morn., at Parish Church, Halifax, Coll. 217. 13s. 7d.; Aftn. at Elland, Coll. 71. 28. 11d.; by Rev. E. Hall, Morn., at Southowram, Coll. 3.; Even., at Parish Church, Halifax, Coll. 5.-June 28: Halifax Meeting, Rev. C. Musgrave, Chn., Coll. 31. 4s. 6d. ; Bierley Meeting, Rev. G. Bull, Chn., Coll. 37. 12s. 6d.-June 30: Skipton Meeting, R. Chippendale, Esq. Chn., Coll. 167. 08. 3d. Westmoreland-July 4: Sermon by Rev. F. Leicester, at Whittington, Coll. 81. 88. 5d: by Rev. E. Hall, at the Chapel, Kendal, Coll. 77. 08. 7d.-July 5: Kirkby-Lonsdale Meeting, W. C. Wilson, Esq. Chn., Coll. 51. 58. 3d.-July 6: Milnthorpe Meeting, Coll. 21. 15s. 3d.

Kent-June 11: Formation of an Association for Sheerness and the Isle of Sheppy, Sir Jahleel Brenton, Bart., Chn., Coll., 31. 168.-June 13: Sermon, by Rev. John Hartley, at Tunbridge, Coll. 127. 78. 4d.; at Bidborough, Morn. and Aftn., by Rev. J. Tucker and Rev. J. Hartley, Coll: 167. 18. 6d.; Sermons at Hawkhurst, Morn. and Aftn., by Rev. F. Middleton and Rev. J. Jenkinson, Coll. 151.-June 15: Sermon at Teston, by Rev. J. Hartley, Coll. 71. 78. 3d.-June 16: Meeting at Hawkhurst, Hon. Capt. King, Chn., Coll. 81. 78. 9d. - June 17: Meeting at Tunbridge; Hon. and Rev. F. Noel, Chn., Coll. 67. 58. 8d.-June 18: Tunbridge Wells, Rev. W. L. Pope, Chn., Coll. 167. 58. 3d.

Whitchurch-June 17: Anniversary Meeting, J. Worthington, Esq., Chn, Coll. (including 57. 2s. 6d. for Tinnevelly Mission) 297. 158. 6d.

Wrexham-June 18: Rev. J. H. Luxmoore, Chn., Coll. (including 61. 18s. 9d. for Tinnevelly Mission) 197. 08. 4d.

Guildford-June 26: Rev.-Wolfe, Chn., Coll. 71. 68. 7d.

Penrith-July 7: Mr. T. Law, Chn. Coll. 47. 28. 4d.

Suez.

We have had some long conversations, at Suez, with a Greek Monk from Mount Sinaï: I have never seen a man so resolved to keep at a distance from the truth: he concluded by declaring us heretics, and putting us among the number of false Christs and false Prophets, of whom our Saviour spoke. It is thus that we must be sometimes in good and sometimes in evil repute. We have also had many religious conversations with the Consular Agent, a Greek Arab, and native of Suez: I have seldom seen an Arab apprehend so readily the sense of what is said, and so easily yield to the demonstrations of truth, as far as it regards the understanding; but I fear that his heart is entirely with the world: we gave him a Bible on parting, which he appeared to receive with pleasure. There are altogether 15 Christians, all Greeks, at Suez; but all buried in the love of the world, though it has nothing inviting at that place.

Departure from Suez.

On the 8th of November we embarked, and set sail the following morning: we passed the night at a place called, by the Arabs, Hemam Phareoun (Pharaoh's Bath), and Birket Phareoun (Pharaoh's Pool). The Arabs are not agreed on the reason of this appellation: some say, that there is a spring of warm water very near, bordering on Arabia; and that the Kings of Egypt came there to take the baths: this is the less probable, as there are springs of warm water in the neighbourhood of Thebes, and as the environs of [RECORD, August, 1830.]

Birket Phareoun have the appearance of always having been in a state of solitude: others say, that the name came from Pharaoh's having been drowned there, when he pursued the Israelites : this appears much more probable; not because the Arabs say so, for they are accustomed to attribute to Pharaoh every thing which is grand and terrific; and as it is a very dangerous place, and as the sea is always agitated there by a whirlwind, no more would be necessary for them to make Pharaoh pass there; but what induces me to think that this may be the place where the Children of Israel passed, is, that, on the borders of Egypt, there are mountains which run from east to west; and it was probably because the Israelites were between two of these mountains that their fears increased, when they found themselves pursued by the Egyptians. It is also remarkable, that there is near Birket Phareoun a little village called Thor, the only place in the neighbourhood where there is good water; and even now there is a plantation of Palm-trees about fifteen leagues off, which, with the passage across the small mountains, would make three days' journey.

Birket Phareoun is about twelve leagues, or thirty-six miles, from Suez; and the sea is there, perhaps, a league and a half or two leagues in breadth. There is nothing so irregular as the tide of the Red Sea at Suez. I have seen it high and low water at all hours of the day; and I have remarked, that the inhabitants never know at what hour of that or the following day the tide will ebb or flow; Z