State the black population predominates. In
twenty-five of the western counties 88 per cent. of the people are white.
In the same number of the farthest eastern counties there is a majority of
ten thousand black people. In accordance with this fundamental fact, the
work of the American Missionary Association in the western part of the
State is chiefly among the white, and in the eastern part of the State,
among the black people.

In both Carolinas the vast majority of the population is rural. According
to the last census there was only one city in each State with more than
twenty thousand people, and only six places with more than ten thousand.

In Wilmington, the largest city of North Carolina, the American Missionary
Association began work as the war was closing. Of the twenty-four thousand
people in the county, fourteen thousand are black. Fourteen years ago Mr.
J. J. H. Gregory, of Massachusetts, became much interested in this field
and erected a fine brick church and commodious school buildings. The
combined church and school work have gone on with continued efficiency and
prosperity. There is a strong desire on the part of the people for the
development of an industrial department in the school. The elevating
influence of the church is felt not only in Wilmington, but throughout the
surrounding communities. A great many of the school students have become
teachers in the city schools and in different parts of the State.

[Illustration: CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, WILMINGTON, N. C.]

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, WILMINGTON, N. C.

While Wilmington and Beaufort are both sea-side places, the former is
chiefly a commercial town while the latter is devoted to the fishing and
oyster industries. The island is swept by refreshing sea breezes, and a
great many of its inhabitants are boatmen and fishermen. The Beaufort
fisheries extend over a large area in which immense schools of fish are
found. In deep sea fishing the nets are dropped to a depth of one hundred
feet and drawn up often filled to bursting. Not infrequently whales are
captured off the coast.

Not long ago both the church and school buildings in Beaufort were swept
away by fire, but they have recently been restored, as seen in the
illustration. The church is making good progress under its young colored
pastor. The school is crowded. Industrial work is being carried on to a
limited extent, and it is hoped that in the coming year an industria