THE PAPER MISSION.
This unique enterprise in missionary work was started three years ago by Miss Nancy Marsh, Providence, R. I. Miss Marsh writes:
"Our third year of labor among the freedmen has just closed. We have sent to about forty places 2,312 papers and pamphlets, 1,113 lesson papers, 1,006 lesson cards, 174 tracts, 393 Scripture cards, 109 Christmas and picture cards, 29 books of various kinds and 84 lithographs; 66 letters and postals have been written. A box was sent in October last to a pastor in Texas, with some articles of clothing, 'Barnes' Notes' and other books."
Miss Marsh has received many letters from the missionaries, gratefully acknowledging the help that the papers have been. One writes: "I wish you could step in and see the little ones in their several classes, how their eyes sparkle when the papers are given out." Another: "It did me good to feel that one whom I had never seen would interest herself in my work here in this isolated spot. I send you my sincere thanks." A pastor says: "Our new church was dedicated May 24. Our permanent existence began that day. The next Sabbath twenty joined our Sunday-school, and the Sunday following seven more. Nothing is so acceptable as your papers. Please send oftener, and more with pictures, as my school is largely made up of little ones."
The above are specimens of a great many letters that have been received by Miss Marsh. We should be pleased to give still further extracts from her interesting correspondence, but lack of space forbids. She is engaged in doing a good work, and she has the grateful appreciation of our missionaries in the field.
INDUSTRIAL LETTER FROM LE MOYNE.
Dear Friends: Thinking you would like to hear a word from "Le Moyne Home" I will pen you a few lines. I wish you were here to see for yourself what a nice happy family we are. The industrial classes take a good share of my time. I am much pleased with the progress the girls have made in sewing. They have a deal of pride in doing their work nicely, and are always willing to take it out if not well done. They have made ladies' and children's aprons, undergarments, children's dresses, etc. Whenever they enter the sewing room with torn or ragged garments I have them mend them the first thing, trying to teach them that a stitch in time saves nine, and that a penny saved is the same as a penny earned—two things hard for them to learn.
The class in cooking are interested as ever in their work. Not one of the twenty-five girls has ever failed in any article of food she has cooked. I give the girls who do the cooking a sample to take home. It makes the mothers interested in their work. They bring frequently to me something they have made at home. I have been very happy in my work with them.