4. Much time was given and much interest manifested in discussing the grading and unifying of the normal and preparatory schools, and their relations to the higher institutions. Our most effective work is felt to be here, for in these schools we meet the wants of the masses directly, and lay the foundations for what we do in the schools more advanced. The results of the Conference in this regard, will, we are persuaded, secure greater unity and efficiency in object-lesson teaching, normal training and practical business education, as well as in giving more thorough preparation to those who may enter the colleges. Among the important results of the meeting are the better acquaintance acquired by the teachers of each other and of the work; and by the officers of the Association of the great and diversified interests intrusted to its care. A significant and encouraging fact in the progress of the meeting was the voluntary and very welcome presence of Dr. J. Berrien Lindsley, Secretary of the State Board of Education, and Mr. Doak, State Superintendent of Education. These gentlemen expressed, in the strongest terms, their high appreciation of the work the A. M. A. is doing in the South, and from their position and opportunities few men have better knowledge on the subject than they. The day is not far distant when the South and North will see eye to eye, and will work hand to hand in the great endeavor to elevate the colored race, and the A. M. A. may well rejoice in the part she is taking in bringing about this harmony, and in the great achievement to be attained. * * * * * WE would again remind our readers that our Annual Report is ready for distribution, and we shall be glad to send it to any who wish a copy, and will so signify to us by postal card or letter. * * * * * THE WORK AT HOME, a monthly record of the Woman’s Home Missionary Association, is gotten up in an attractive manner; price, 25 cents per annum, subscriptions to be sent to Miss Laura W. Bliss, 20 Congregational House, Boston, Mass. We bid the publication God-speed. * * * * * WE are happy to announce that through the liberality of Mr. Edward Smith, of Enfield, Mass., we have purchased thirteen acres of land in Little Rock, Ark., for a new institution of learning. A charter for a college and plans for the first school building will be secured without unreasonable delay. The character of the school will be similar to that of our other chartered institutions. * * * * * BENEFACTIONS. Wesleyan University has already received $550,000 of Mr. Seney, of Brooklyn, for endowment purposes. —The late Stephen Whitney Phœnix bequeathed nearly $1,000,000 to Columbia College, New York City, part of it available at once, and the rest on the death of his brother and sisters.