g the geography of our own and other lands.

The botanical work exhibited was worthy of all praise. Fifty varieties
of flowers, comprising nearly all the most important orders, have been
examined and classified, and half as many handsomely mounted.

This young school is doing a work of inestimable value. On the very
spot, where less than a generation ago gangs of slaves toiled under
the overseer's lash, and within rifle-shot of the plantation
whipping-post, their children are now developing into worthy
citizenship; and youth, both white and colored, are growing up into
enlightened Christian manhood and womanhood.

Many of our students are poor--very poor--and are working out their
salvation by efforts none the less pathetic because so bravely and
cheerfully made. The truest heroism is unconscious. Touching stories
could be easily told. Those who struggle so courageously and
perseveringly for an education do not need to be pitied, but they need
to be aided and encouraged. May the Lord inspire those who can to hold
out a helping hand and so fulfill their own prayer, "Thy Kingdom
come."

* * * * *

MERIDIAN, MISS.

MRS. H. I. MILLER.

Our school closed on the 29th of May, and it has been a full one
despite the trials we have had because of hard times. On the 27th, our
pastor, Rev. C. L. Harris, preached his annual sermon to the school.
The church was crowded as never before, not even at its dedication.
The topic, "The satisfied soul," was handled with marked ability, and
the audience was deeply moved. On Monday our school-rooms were visited
by many friends, and our ex-graduates from Tougaloo were welcomed
home. The "students'" sociable at night was a pleasant affair, and
gave us a chance to plan with our scholars about their work this
summer. All are eager for work that they may enter school in the fall;
all seem ready to do whatever they can find to do.

The most spiritual feature of our closing exercises was on Tuesday
morning, when at the opening hour the house was filled with friends to
unite in a "Congregational love-feast," as they called it. We had
several clergymen and teachers, and one lawyer and a host of friends
to cheer us with their words, or to aid us in our service of song and
prayer. One friend told of a wealthy colored man who had pledged to
give three thousand dollars to the American Missionary Association to
carry on these Christian schools, although he himself is