Sometimes a lady with only a common-school education does better than one more liberally educated. It depends upon the qualities of the woman, the executive ability, the tact, the practical good sense, and knowledge of human nature. Of course, all other things being equal, the more thorough the education the better the work.
B., N.Y.—What is the cost of supporting a lady missionary, and how many months during the year is it expedient for her to labor in the South?
It takes $450 to provide for a lady missionary for one year, including traveling expenses, board and a moderate salary. The time of service varies somewhat in different localities. At the extreme South she can wisely remain eight months of the year; further north, nine or ten. For other particulars we refer to the March number of the Missionary, which is devoted largely to woman’s work.
New York.—What assistance can sewing circles and ladies’ societies render during the summer months that would be most helpful and timely?
We shall need during the early autumn for replenishing our boarding departments and mission homes, quilts, sheets, pillow-cases, blankets, towels, table linen, table ware, and money for furnishing rooms in new buildings to be occupied by students. Help in either of these particulars will save so much for the support of the missionary work.
S., Ct.—What provision is made during vacation for young girls who have been taken from wretched homes into your institutions? Are they obliged to return to the temptations and want of their early associations? If not, what is the cost for their care during this time?
There is nothing more important for the well-being of many colored girls than suitable watch and care during their summer vacations. We have been unable to do much in this direction. A few have been kept in the different boarding institutions, where the buildings have been open. These have been given work whenever opportunity offered. Thirty or thirty-five dollars would provide for a girl in addition to what she could earn. We would be glad to correspond with any who are disposed to assist in this way.
R., Mass.—Our children have been accustomed to contribute to the Dakota schools through the Woman’s Board of Foreign Missions. Does the A. M. A. wish us to continue our interest in that particular work?
Certainly it does. We sincerely hope that all those who have been interested in the support of missions among the Indians will continue their efforts and forward their gifts to us. The April number of the American Missionary is devoted largely to the work the Association has accepted from the American Board, and is now carrying on. We shall need the cordial co-operation and support of all the friends of the Indians in order to conduct the enlarged work we have undertaken in their behalf.