Five of our scholars connected themselves with our church at the last communion service.

* * * * *

SALUDA SEMINARY, N.C.

By Rev. E.W.  Hollies.

The closing exercises at Saluda Seminary took place on Friday evening, May 1.  Visitors overflowed the schoolrooms before the appointed hour.  After the introductory march had been rendered by one of the music pupils on the beautiful Estey piano which adorned the platform, there was not a standing place left for seeing nor hearing.  The young people kept everybody interested and pleased for three hours, by readings, recitations, instrumental music, and songs.  “The Delsarte Children,” a drill by eight little girls, whose motions were accompanied with strains of music, was prettily and accurately presented, and was much appreciated.

A cantata, “THE VOICES OF NATURE,” was presented by the Juniors, and was an interesting and pleasing feature of the evening, and showed that careful instruction had been given by the teacher of music.  Two well prepared essays were read by their authors; one for, and the other against, “Woman Suffrage.”

The “SALUDA HERALD,” a paper of thirty-two pages, published by the pupils of the school, was read by four of its editors.  This paper contained many good things in the form of prose, poems, puns, and puzzles.  It abounded in wit and good humor.  Its production was a credit to the young people and added much to the enjoyment of the visitors; and it was also unmistakable evidence that the young people attending this school are taught to think and to write their thoughts with grammatical accuracy, and also to give intelligent vocal expression to the same.  Saluda is highly favored in having this excellent school within its borders.

* * * * *

BURRELL SCHOOL, SELMA, ALA.

By Prof.  A.T.  Burnell.

The year 1895-6 will be long remembered by all connected with Burrell School, Selma, Ala., for the widespread religious interest gathering in nearly half of those attending in March; for the continued increase of enrolment, especially in the grammar and normal grades; and the closing of this year will be remembered as a great and successful financial endeavor, which netted for the school fifty dollars—­“one jubilee share.”  It is to be said that Selma is a generous town, when entertainments come as at this season for the colored schools here.  Burrell presented one for the primaries, in which an entire grade appeared upon the stage, some children impersonating trees planted by other children and growing as by magic, while still others played “hide and seek” about the trees or built nests therein.

On the second programme, intermingled with the usual dialogues and “speeches” so loudly demanded by all pupils, there were the essays of three who had completed the tenth grade, and some excellent music, with shadow pictures, etc.