The American Missionary | Page 8

good
object-lessons, showing what an education, including a knowledge of
homemaking, as well as what is learned from books, can do for boys
and girls like themselves.
We rejoice in the fact that when the school closed, all of the girls in the
Hall were professedly disciples of Christ, and will, we believe, go back
to their homes to be better daughters and more helpful members of the
communities so much in need of the influences which we trust they will
exert.
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.
But the chief interest centered in the drama, that brought a crowded
house on Wednesday evening, and was repeated the next week.
Public examinations were held for three days, beginning Friday the 22d,
when a good number of friends visited the different rooms, noted the
work of the pupils, and shared with the teachers the quizzing of the
pupils, who seemed to enjoy their part. Not the least interesting because
thoroughly practical was the display of garments, stitching and
mending in the sewing-room; and, in the blacksmith and the carpenter
shops, articles manufactured by the boys. The school ground gives
evidence of workmen--attending to fences, repairs on buildings, a shop,
and two pump-shelters erected.
The catalogue just issued lists 287 students, a gain of twenty-four per
cent. in two years; gives a history of Burrell from its start in 1869, and
among former students names all the lady teachers of the city school,
besides five on other faculties in Selma.
* * * * *
BLOWING ROCK, N.C.
By Mrs. Ellen R. Dorsett.

Skyland Institute at Blowing Rock, N.C., has during the year
continually had in mind the saying, "Children should be seen and not
heard," and so has not lifted up her voice to report her work. But the
child is now six years old, is growing in beauty and strength, and needs
some attention.
The year has been one of good things. Our pupils have been of a better
class than in previous years, and better adapted to go out and teach. Our