On the other hand, I had them with me again for an hour, that I might test their powers of speaking. They have made much progress in this respect since I last examined them.
On the whole, the progress of all three is satisfactory. They bid fair to fulfil the hopes of the Government in regard to them.
I advised them to get copies of a Chinese work called "The Sacred Edict" and a translation of Aesop's fables into Chinese, which it would now be profitable for them to study. The former may be bought for a trifle here or in Canton. The fables will have to be procured from Shanghai.
The Gentlemen all expressed an opinion that it would be of benefit to them if they could have "Ho Aloop", one of the Interpreters in the Government, to read and converse with them for an hour, two or three times a week.
I think it would be desirable to make an arrangement with Ho Aloop to that effect.
On the 6th Dr. Anney wrote to me that he was unable to approve Mr. Ronald from his dictics at the Civil Hospital that day. If Mr. Ronald will come to him at a convenient hour, he will arrange to examine him.
I have, &c.
(Signed) James Legge
To W. H. Wallande,
Acting Colonial Secretary.