t a seat in the chapel later in the
evening.

On Wednesday morning, an audience of much more manageable magnitude than
that of the previous evening assembled at 10 o'clock, to listen to the
regular commencement exercises. These consisted of essays, orations,
recitations and declamations. Two young men, one of whom was graduated
last year from the elementary normal course, were graduated from the
higher normal course. The original productions presented this year were
said to have been unusually good. A visitor, in an address made after
the presentation of the diplomas, in speaking of the excellence of the
orations said of one of them, "It would be creditable on the platform of
any school in the United States."

The year just ended has been one of hard work and great prosperity. The
attendance has been not only larger than ever before, but constant, and
the result of such steady and persistent work is, as might be expected,
gratifying progress in all departments.

* * * * *

EXTRACT FROM A VALEDICTORY ADDRESS.

An account of the closing exercises of Avery Institute in South
Carolina, was given in the MISSIONARY last month. A copy of the
valedictory address of one of the pupils has been sent to us, from which
we excerpt one or two passages to give the flavor of the occasion. We
think it would be creditable to any school of like grade in the country.

To-day we are to go forth. Is it strange that emotions deep and
solemn should pervade our hearts? Amid these emotions, gratitude
stands prominent--gratitude to the honored Association which has
placed within our reach these opportunities for the development
of intellect and of character that fit us to take our places in
life as intelligent men and women. In behalf of the class of '89
and of all our schoolmates, we return to THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY
ASSOCIATION our heartfelt thanks, and invoke for it the richest
blessings of Him who maketh rich.... In bidding adieu to
school life, the thought which presses most forcibly is that we
are supposed now to be ready for our duties in life. Let us
rather remember that we have but caught a glimpse of the
knowledge which lies beyond and which beckons to us. May our
thirst for it be insatiable. Let us take care of each day and
each hour, and show to our Heavenly Father that we love his
precepts, and are seeking to live tr