ITEMS FROM THE FIELD.
Charleston, S. C.—The first convention of the Charleston Teachers' Union met at Avery Institute January 2d, 3d and 4th. Essays were read on the Art of Teaching; the Culture of the Intellect; How to Teach; Incentives to Study; Our Duty as Teachers; Our Common Schools; the Mind its own Educator; the Best Methods of Discipline; Classification; Vacations; Mind and Matter; and the Drama as a Means of Education. Many of these varied themes were treated by graduates of Avery Institute. General discussions were also participated in on Prizes, Moral Instruction in Schools, and "What's the use of Schools?" It must have been a busy and stimulating three days' meeting.
Midway, Ga.—Arrangement has been made whereby Rev. Floyd Snelson has resumed the pastoral charge of his old church at Midway. Rev. Joseph E. Smith, who had served as pastor during the absence of Mr. Snelson in Africa, and who by his cultured ministry had won the people greatly, has gracefully retired from the pulpit, and will receive immediate appointment to another field.
Savannah, Ga.—Mr. Markham wrote some time ago: "There is progress here, and I can see the result of our work in Savannah just as easily as you can see the change made by a carpenter in planing a board. Though we have had hard work, rough times, and many head winds, still there is progress. More than five hundred children are gathered into the Sabbath Schools of our churches in and around Savannah."
Childersburg, Ala.—The church had a Christmas supper to help procure a bell for the church. The pastor wants us to ask our friends to aid in the endeavor.
Shelby Iron Works, Ala.—A Bible Concert Exercise and "a magnificent Christmas Tree" on Christmas day. Solid foundations for church work are being laid. Three inquirers.
Nashville, Tenn.—Fisk University.—The last Annual Catalogue showed a total attendance of 338. Of these, 25 were studying theology, 26 were in the College, 54 in the College Preparatory, 11 in the Higher Normal, 153 in the Normal Department, and 95 in the Model School. Notwithstanding the "hard times," this was the most successful year in the history of the University. Correspondence was had with 108 teachers, who were then or had been formerly students in the Institution, and it was found that they had taught during 1877 nine thousand three hundred and thirty-two pupils. Many of the teachers taught in two separate districts during the year, as the public schools, in most places, are continued only from three to five months. Total salary received $18,643.53. Ninety-four of these teachers superintended or taught in Sunday-schools, and reported a total attendance of 7,780. They also stated the number of conversions in day and Sunday-schools at 371. These statistics represent but a part of the actual teaching done by persons educated at Fisk University, for there was no means of learning the address of many of the early students.
The Indians—Sisseton Agency.—The Manual Labor Boarding School has 56 scholars, more than can be comfortably accommodated. The scholars and parents show an unprecedented interest. During three months past not one child has run away from the school. This has never happened before. Several Indians have recently come into the office desiring to send their children to the Manual Labor Boarding School, and we have been obliged to refuse them admittance. The Good Will School is also crowded, 46 scholars—26 being regular boarders. Mrs. Renville has 28 scholars in her day-school, as many as can be managed. These three schools are now all full, and it is estimated that there are over 150 children of school-going age on the reservation who have no opportunity to attend school.
Santa Barbara, Cal.—The Chinese Mission held its fourth annual meeting on Sunday, December 15. The darkness of the evening did not prevent a large attendance. The report of the Secretary showed good work done. Nearly sixty Chinese have attended the school for a longer or a shorter period during the year. The average attendance, however, has been a little less than twenty. The exercises by the pupils, consisting of recitations of Scripture and the singing of hymns in English and Chinese, were listened to with much interest. Addresses were made by Rev. Dr. Hough and Rev. W. C. Pond. Judge Huse is the President, and B. B. Williams, Esq., the Secretary, of this auxiliary for the ensuing year.—Pacific, December 26.