244 FROM THE NIGER TO THE NILE 



Parsons, acted as Commandant and had all his company out 

 on parade each morning. During the wet season the boys 

 work on their farms and at other times they attend classes in 

 various local crafts, and those showing special aptitude are 

 apprenticed to leather-workers, mat-makers, tailors, smiths, 

 &c. The women and girls occupy most of their time with the 

 preparation of the food and other household duties, but they 

 also work on the farms and gardens, and some devote their 

 energies to the manufacture of pottery, nursing the sick, 

 and making garments. The regular duties embrace strict 

 cleanliness and attendance at a nightly roll-call. Absolute 

 obedience to those in authority is incumbent on all, and all 

 are taught to work together for the common good. The 

 products of the farms go some way towards supplying their 

 needs, while the flocks and herds, poultry-farm and market 

 gardens are a source of revenue to the home. The staff, under 

 Dr. Parsons, consists of a matron and three assistants. The 

 matron is a Hausa woman of very exceptional qualities, and 

 is one of the most loyal and trustworthy of native officials 

 in the country. The three assistant matrons, who also receive 

 pay, are themselves freed slave women who have risen to these 

 positions of trust and responsibility. 



The children amuse themselves with football, swimming, 

 dancing, and singing. They dance most creditably several 

 English dances to the accompaniment of a gramophone. 

 There is an annual gymkhana meeting at which they can 

 all show the proficiency they have attained in these various 

 accompUshments. Any woman may leave the home if she 

 wishes, but most remain till they can be suitably married. 

 Every year several children are restored to the parents 



