This is not a continuous narrative of missionary work as are some of the
author's books. It is a collection of distinct chapters, some of which
are written expressly for this volume, others of which, having in whole
or in part seen the light in other form, are now, at the request of
friends, and thanks to the courtesy of the publishers, here gathered.
Romantic missionary work among the red Indians will soon be a thing of
the past. Civilisation is reaching this people, and the iron horse
rushes and shrieks where the Indian trail was once the only pathway.
The picturesque garb is fast disappearing, and store clothes, often too
soon transformed into rags anything but picturesque, have robbed, the
Indian of the interest that once clung to him.
These wanderings on the fast disappearing trail, speak of successes
rather than failures; not but that there were many of the latter, as
well as long waiting after the seed time for the harvest, but because it
is so much more pleasant and helpful to look on the bright side of life,
and talk of victory rather than defeat.
So in the hope that this book will be helpful and encouraging to the
friends and supporters of missions, who have become such an innumerable
company, and that His name may be glorified thereby, we send it on its
way.
E.R.Y. _Toronto_.