We are hoping gradually to work into crops which will occupy less ground, and still be more remunerative than corn and potatoes. To this end, last fall, we commenced in a small way with strawberries by setting some two thousand plants, which are doing remarkably well. From these, we expect to increase till we have several acres in strawberries. Being on the line of the Illinois Central and New Orleans Railroad, we have direct communication with a good Northern market for such fruit. The prime want of the farm is fences. During the war, and the few years immediately succeeding, the fences in this part of the country were nearly annihilated, in consequence of which the plantations are almost all connected together, with no line of fences between them. We need at least four hundred rods of fence to divide this farm from neighboring plantations. If there was _rail timber_ on the place, we would soon have the fences; but such timber is scarce here, and lumber must be obtained for this purpose from the pine region, fifty or sixty miles south of us. Much is lost every year, in consequence of the exposed condition of our crops. * * * * * Industrial Department for Girls. MRS. G. S. POPE. We deem it of the greatest importance that the girls be taught how to do all kinds of housework and sewing, neatly and thoroughly. So our house and laundry work is nearly all done by the girls, their work being changed every month, as for example: a girl who was last month in the laundry is in the sewing-room this month, the next is sweeping and dusting, the next washing dishes, etc. Our sewing department has only been in existence a part of the year, and we can hardly tell how it will pay financially. The girls have made some bedding and done other sewing that was needed; have made and sold some shirts. If materials are donated for sewing, I know we can accomplish very much. One of the girls said the other day: “Well, I have learned to make button-holes this month, any way.” Another thought she could go to work and make a shirt all alone. They are all willing and anxious to learn, and to work to help pay their board. A great deal yet remains to be done for the girls of Mississippi. They need our help. We must throw about them such influences as will restrain them from the terrible evils around them, and lift them into a better life. * * * * * VIRGINIA. The Church and School at Franklin—Beginnings and Results. MISS M. A. ANDRUS, CARRSVILLE, VA. Ten years ago, the 10th of last month, I was sent by the American Missionary Association to Franklin, Va. The building I occupied they called their church. It was a slab building, without any windows, so that the light had to be admitted by an open door. The school was large, having, I think, some sixty scholars, and was the first school ever taught there for the freedmen. After teaching two sessions, I was providentially called to another place.