Genre:

Introduction; Extract, Letter; Extract, Diary

Publications extracted:

Thomas L Hodgson Samuel Broadbent

Subjects:

Ethnography, Race, Progress, Agriculture, Horticulture, Acclimatization

    Hodgson and Broadbent's extracted letter relates: 'We are happy in stating, that this people appear different from many of the natives of South Africa, with respect to a disposition to improve in civilization. Our example in digging wells was soon followed by several of the people, with equal success. We found them also desirous to possess Indian corn, kidney-beans, pumpkins, &c., which they saw us use in our gardens; and we have the satisfaction of seeing several acres of ground cultivated, and planted with the native corn, water-melons, &c.' (712–13). Hodgson's diary records the anxiety of 'Schndeep, the Coranna Chief' for one of the missionaries to reside with him, 'promising to remain stationary at a place where we could cultivate gardens, sow corn, &c.' (713).