Another death occurred this year, which was also sensibly felt by the mission. It was that of Deacon Joseph, of Degala. Dr. Perkins lamented the loss of his services in connection with the press, a kind of labor for which his qualifications were unequaled among the people. His well-balanced mind, his fine scholarship, the solidity of his Christian character, his eminent services in this department, especially the very important assistance he rendered in translating the Old Testament from the original Hebrew, would have secured him an honorable position in more enlightened lands. In 1863 and 1864 Mr. Shedd made extended tours in his mountain field. In the first, he crossed to Mosul, and from Oroomiah to Amadia he travelled mostly on foot, in native snowshoes and moccasins, with much fatigue and exposure. At Mosul, he enjoyed the hospitality of Mr. Rassam, and had conferences with Mr. Williams of Mardin. The second tour was in the autumn, and extended as far as Tiary.[1] The mountaineers may be viewed, he says, in two very different lights; first, as feeble, unreasonable, and lawless; poverty stricken, and lacking in self-respect, and self-reliance; connecting their interest in spiritual things too often with the hope of temporal benefits. Then there are constant feuds between villages, clans, and chiefs. The hopeful side is in the great preparatory work that has been accomplished, the general friendliness of the people, and the growing influence of the mission helpers. The following tabular view will give some idea of the mountain work in its incipient state, for, in some important respects, it was in that state as late as the year 1863:-- Occupied Districts. Gawar Tekhoma Amadia Rakan Nerwa Jeloo Berwer Total No. of Christian Villages. - 6 6 3 4 - - - Estimated Christian Population. - 4000 - 250 300 - - - When first occupied by Helpers. 1852 1856 1857 1861 1862 1862 1863 - No. of Helpers the Past Year. 4 4 2 1 1 4 2 18 No. of Villages visited by Preachers the Past Year. 20 6 5 3 3 9 10 56 No. of Villages with stated Congregations. 5 3 3 1 1 2 1 16 No. of Persons in Congregations. 88 55 55 15 10 90 35 348 No. of Sabbath Schools. 3 2 1 1 1 2 1 11 No. in Sabbath Schools. 42 25 25 8 7 75 25 207 No. of Regular Day Schools. 2 - 1 - - 1 - 4 No. of Scholars. 21 10 8 5 5 28 3 80 No. reached by Family Visitation. 550 250 100 50 50 560 100 1660 No. of Communicants. 20 7 4 1 1 9 - 42 No. of Candidates. 2 1 9 - 1 2 - 15