expression by their tour
across the water; and this was confirmed by the peculiar and
plaintive melodies of the South-land in the days of slavery,
which made up the major part of the programme. A few
selections of more artistic composition were introduced, for
the purpose of demonstrating, as they did most fully, that
the students have been educated to an appreciation of the
higher grades of vocalization. The great charm of these
singers will, however, remain in the reproduction of the
melodies of an era that has gone, happily never to
return,--melodies which were the natural expression of the
fancies and sympathies of an emotional race, and which no
musical culture or refinement can ever render with the sweet
simplicity and charming grace that flow from the lips of
those to whom they are the native music."

"In the summer of 1874 they returned to Nashville, having given two
seasons of concerts in this country, and one in Great Britain. The
best evidence of the appreciative and enthusiastic welcome given them
in both countries is the fact that the net result for Fisk University
was over $90,000." The "problem" of the little band of faithful
teachers had been nobly, gloriously solved. The old government-building
in which they began their labors was soon discarded. To-day, on a
beautiful, commanding site of twenty-five acres, with all the
appliances of the best modern colleges, stands a noble building,
forever dedicated to learning and to Christianity.

[Illustration: FISK UNIVERSITY, NASHVILLE, TENN.]

Since the events whose record is just closed, it has been determined
by the faculty of Fisk University to raise by other concert tours
$100,000 as an endowment fund. At the present writing (June, 1877) the
Jubilee Singers are making a tour of the Continent. They are now in
Holland. Thus far their success continues unabated; and undoubtedly
they will succeed in amply endowing the institution which, in a manner
so praiseworthy and remarkable, they have erected. The following
extract from a letter affords a pleasant glimpse at the European life
of the singers:--

... "I will tell you something of our summer's experience.
The company had passed through a hard year's work, and
were greatly in need of rest. A charming country-seat
was rented in the suburbs of Geneva at a very reasonable
rate, and the months of July and August we