THE  subject  of  this  chapter  is  related  to  that  of  the
preceding — both  are  on  preaching,  our  main  work,  and
that  which  is  most  delightful.  During  the  cool  season,
from  the  first  of  November  to  the  first  of  March,  there
is  no  difficulty  in  travelling  about  the  country;  and
this  period  may  be  made  a  month,  or  even  two,  longer,
without  any  very  great  inconvenience.  During  this
time,  all  missionaries  desire  to  do  what  can  be  done
towards  carrying  the  gospel  to  the  parts  of  their  dis-
tricts which  cannot  be  reached  when  they  reside  at
their  stations.  The  only  way  of  accomplishing  this
work  is  by  itinerations.
All  persons  who  have  read  the  journals  of  missiona-
ries in  Upper  India,  written  on  journeys  for  preaching,
will  remember  that  we  usually  travel  with  tents;  and
all  will  perceive,  that  when  travellers  use  tents,  their
movements  will  be  restricted  and  expensive.  Now,  as
this  book  is  written  for  the  purpose  of  enabling  all
readers  to  understand  our  whole  situation,  and  modes
of  action,  we  will  first  look  into  a  missionary's  march-
ing establishment,  and  set  forth  the  reasons  for  using
it,  and  each  part  of  it.  •

There  are  no  hotels  in  India.  A  few  at  the  princi-
pal English  stations,  on  the  main  road  leading  through
the  country,  are  an  inconsiderable  exception.  There
is  nothing  like  the  numerous  taverns  on  all  roads  in
America.  Two  substitutes  for  them  may  be  mentioned.
