The work of Mrs. Steele, in Almeda, S. C., proves full of interest. This place takes its name from a daughter of Mr. Reuben G. Holmes, who bought this tract of land, 12,000 acres, for the purpose of giving employment to worthy colored men and enabling them to buy small farms for themselves at $5 per acre. He now has nearly 150 families, including more than 700 souls, on the place, and to instruct and care for these is the work of Mrs. Steele. She writes that she has more or less care of all, has already had more than 200 in her Sunday-school. Her day school occupies her from 9 A.M. to 12.30 P.M.; her evening school from 7 to 9.30 P.M.; and her afternoons she spends in “calling on the folks.” Having mentioned some touching cases of distress and how she was able to relieve them, she adds: “Now don’t think it is all out-go and no income. I called on another family—the mother had previously called on me and wanted me to cut out a calico dress for one of her little girls—when my little girl and I came away from that home, the mother brought me a _fresh egg_ as a present. Now that gift for her was more than ten dollars would be for some people to give. The good-will back of the gift made me feel _rich_.” “In my solemn talks,” she says, “with my pupils, I’ve found some who seem to me to be of the Lord’s noblemen, so conscientiously living up to the light and knowledge they have, and eager for more. I’ve formed a temperance and anti-tobacco society and have quite a number of names already.” All who had a hand in filling or packing the barrel lately sent to Miss Carter, in Nashville, Tenn.—as well as those whose hands are filling or packing or are about to be filling or packing other such choice barrels or boxes—will be glad to hear of its welcome, and also to learn what are among the most acceptable things to send in such cases. She writes: “The barrel arrived Saturday and delights my heart. Were I _a little darker skinned_ I should say, ‘_it will do me so proud_,’ but as it is I hardly know how to express my thanks and perfect satisfaction. Did I tell you so explicitly all my needs—I can’t remember—or did you guess them? Those test cards are gems: perhaps their value to others may be beyond price. The papers I’m so glad of, especially the children’s papers. The pictures cut out by some loving fingers, the picture cards, tracts, story books, Testaments, _all_ these things meet especial needs. The children’s clothes, especially the flannels and boys’ shirts, are most welcome. I know this moment the destination of each article.