The weather and sickness prospectus at the beginning of the year promised to be very disastrous to our missionary labors here. Since our return it has rained almost consecutively for three months. Notwithstanding the unusual cold and rain, our school record shows a larger attendance at the Beach Institute than last year. It is astonishing to us teachers who come from the North, where the children are sent to school clad in rubber clothing in inclement weather, to see these boys and girls, so ill fitted to brave the rain and cold, prompt and punctual in their attendance at the daily sessions. In my department 70 boys and girls meet daily for secular and religious instruction. Several of these children live at a distance of from three to six miles, remaining without luncheon, perhaps after an indifferent breakfast, the entire session. Every day I see new proofs of appreciation in the parents and children: they are beginning to realize the strenuous efforts of missionary labor for their future prosperity and eternal salvation. What more encouragement can we desire--looking into their eager faces all aglow, and seeing the quiet submission at the lack of even the necessary daily comforts that they may feed this great hungry desire for knowledge? We have a weekly Bible meeting held every Monday afternoon immediately after school, in the Principal’s room, conducted by Miss Douglass. The children are interested and the attendance is large. With the Bible in one hand and the text-book in the other, we hope grand results for the next generation of the colored race. Also we have a woman’s weekly prayer-meeting held at various houses. Would I could take my readers with me to these little gatherings of sincere, earnest women, praying for the salvation of their fellow-people; singing “hallelujah” for that freedom from sin worse than the bondage of slavery. The church work is progressing under our minister. These people very quickly discover when the Gospel is preached in an able and sincere manner, and are attentive listeners, worshiping the Lord in a subdued and quiet way; a strong contrast to their former modes and habits. We are preparing a list of the names and residences of the Beach pupils for Miss Douglass, who intends visiting the parents in a friendly and religious call. The extreme cold and distress, to a people unprepared for it, call upon us for extra exertions. Miss Douglass distributes donations judiciously, and thoroughly inquires into the needs of the recipients. Pray that the Lord will continue the blessing of life and health, that we may toil on in faith and patience. * * * * * ALABAMA. Missionary Work in Selma. MISS MARY K. LUNT.