32 DEEP-SEA SOUNDING. 



bar that ships' boats are seldom used, but surf boats; 

 built for the purpose are employed instead.* 



The same cordial hospitality which we had experi- 

 enced in other parts of South Africa was extended to us 

 here. So far as could be learned, the Enterprise was 

 the first United States man-of-war to visit this colony. 

 Although we remained only long enough to fill up with 

 coal and lay in some fresh provisions, still it was my 

 good fortune to meet nearly all the American mission- 

 aries stationed in this part of South Africa. It came 

 about in this way. They were assembled at Isipingo 

 at an annual convention, and on hearing of the arrival 

 of the Enterprise, the general assembly sent a letter to 

 Durban by one of their number, the Rev. Mr. Wilder, 

 inviting the officers to visit them. It was the day before 

 sailing, and all who were on shore were busy laying in 

 mess stores, and there was not sufficient time to com- 

 municate with the ship. Fortunately I was at the con- 

 sulate when Mr. Wilder arrived. Mr. Cato, our 

 distinguished consular agent, earnestly seconded the 

 invitation and kindly volunteered his company ; hence, 

 after luncheon we drove to Isipingo, about ten miles 

 distant, and there took the conveyance that had been 

 sent to meet us. Another drive of eleven miles over a 

 very rough road brought us a little after dark to the 

 Adams Mission, where — including children — nearly forty 



* The harbor has been greatly improved since the visit of the Enterprise. 

 Extensive breakwaters are being constructed and docks built capable of accom- 

 modating a large number of ships ; vessels drawing 15 feet are now taken into 

 the inner harbor. 



