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MICHIGAN,—­“We have we think, a model Missionary Society in our church.  We take up the study of our six great Societies and give two months to each, just preceding our church collection for the same cause.  We study them as thoroughly as possible and our collections for the two months go to the object of our study.  November and December are A.M.A. months with us.  At our meeting this week we had reports from the Chicago meeting.  We always aim to have at least one leaflet to put into each family once a month—­on the study we are on—­hoping in this way to gain the attention of those not interested.”

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A NOVEL DISH.

A barrel of clothing recently sent from Putney and Dummerston, Vermont, received its first installment of gifts from a Christmas plum pudding, which formed a part of the Christmas exercises.  A wash-tub was covered with brown paper to represent a pudding.  At the proper time a young man dressed to represent a cook, with white cap and apron, and wand of office, entered the room followed by two boys, also in white caps and aprons, and carrying a pudding dish.  Placing this in the center of the platform, the chief cook advanced to the front, and after appropriate words of greeting and of explanation, the assistants passed down the aisles and gathered the various ingredients, or “plums” which the audience had brought.  When ready it was started on its way to the South.  We venture to say it will last longer and do more good than any plum pudding that ever was served.

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OUR MANY-SIDED MISSIONARY WORK.

One of our efficient ladies, Principal of a large school embracing the grades from primary to the high school and normal department, and in which the scholastic standard is creditably maintained, writes as follows: 

“Our school is on the whole in good condition.  The teachers are earnest, efficient and united.  The students are of a better average than ever before.  There has been a healthful religious interest all the year.  During the past two weeks there have been several conversions in every room, (unless, perhaps, in the primary).  Every room has had some religious services conducted by the teachers.  A few union services were held, attended by those interested.  These were mostly conducted by Miss B. In Miss S.’s room the conversions are very hopeful young men and women.

“The industrial classes of boys and girls were never so large before, and among the girls the spirit of real work and helpfulness through work seems to be developing true womanly character.  In the tool-room there are five classes of from eight to fourteen boys every day.  A little printing-press is set up, and one boy has begun to set type.  The shop is a busy place when fourteen boys are in it shoving their saws and planes, running the lathes, carving or hammering, and they usually seem very happy.  We are looking with anxious longing for that new teacher promised.  The number of country students this year makes it imperative if we reach these surrounding counties, as we want to do, but the new teacher must come soon, or we must send away thirty-five or forty scholars, nearly all from the country.  This is written that you ’also might know our affairs and how we do.’”