Just here is where the explanation must be made. First, then, almost none of these bequests are in our hands as yet. The largest of all is coupled with conditions which we hope to be able to meet, but of which, until we shall have met them, we have no right to be sure. But secondly, and what is of more consequence, with one possible exception, the way in which all this money is to be expended is determined before it reaches our treasury. The donors have examined the field, or parts of it, for themselves, and have given their gifts, not to us, but only through us, to certain definite fields and uses. Most of this, which is for home use, is to build buildings, and must go for that purpose. But it will cost us money to see these buildings built; the oversight, the correspondence, and the co-operation of all sorts will be a drain upon our time and treasury; and when the much needed buildings shall have been erected, the enlarged work to which they lead will increase very considerably the annual expense for which we must provide. Other of these funds are for a new mission field, of which the founding is only an item, but the carrying on from year to year will demand larger resources than the past has ever furnished. Dear friends, we recognize the call of God in these large gifts to go forward, trusting in Him and in His people to supply our needs. We do not wait until our work shall be fully provided for before we enter on it; we do not shrink from the advance which may be needed; but we do want you all to know that while, on the one hand, the equipment and the opportunity for larger work are thrust upon us, the outfit for the journey is insufficient, and the officers are embarrassed already to carry on the work in hand. Even with special gifts to help the current work, our receipts are $10,595.85 less than last year at this time (May 12th), through the falling off in legacies. Enlarging work and a shrinking purse—this is our quandary. Is our explanation clear? We want money day by day—more money day by day. Not millions, though we could use millions so that they would help on the cause of our Divine Redeemer in the world; but moderate gifts—yes, mites even, as they come with prayer and love for Christ; but more in number and with greater frequency; above all, the steady supply of constantly recurring and increasing needs, to carry on the work in hand. It costs money to spend money; that is our most pressing need to-day, and our new gifts will need more money. Will you plan to supply it? Or must we say to those who would entrust us with the administration of their beneficence, “We cannot afford to administer the trust”? * * * * * RAILROADS AND RIVERS.