And this ought to be appreciated by the intelligent Congregationalists of the North, who will rejoice in two obvious results of the operations of the A. M. A. One is, the gradual increase of their own churches and educational institutions, which are becoming respectable in number and great in influence; the other is, the modifying effect upon other denominations, which are thus inspired and toned up to our standard of education, morals and religion. This is secured not only by our example and competition, but also by the enlightening and liberalizing influence exerted upon their own men, who, as teachers and preachers, have been trained in our schools. These are not false to their own sects; they labor faithfully and successfully in their respective charges, but they have gained enlargement of view and a wider charity, and they will be found always on the side of progress in thought and in action, and ready for Christian co-operation. The movement in progress in both political parties, to obliterate the race-line at the polls, is significant in many respects. It points to a decrease of prejudice, but it also renders imperative increased efforts to furnish the Negroes with intelligent, well-principled leaders, of their own race, to save them from being made tools of by wily politicians among the whites, and by corrupt vote-mongers among themselves. In a section so rapidly developing as is the South, great changes may soon be expected. It is our American Japan. Let us not be backward in supplying the formative influences. The work of the American Missionary Association was never more needed, or more certain to be successful, than at this very moment. * * * * * THE SOUTH. NOTES IN THE SADDLE. BY FIELD-SUPERINTENDENT C. J. RYDER