ok a very prominent part
in our closing exercises, but who, after months of patient suffering,
entered into rest April 6. The annual exhibition came off at 8
o'clock P. M. The programme consisted of sixteen parts, interspersed
with music. We were favored during the day with music from two brass
bands. By competent judges the declamations were pronounced superior
to any heard on former occasions of a similar character.

The attendance of the citizens from the town was a very pleasant
feature. Brewer Normal has made a deep impression on the white
people. They acknowledge the good work that it has done and is doing,
and believe in the possibilities that are before it. The students in
attendance during the year were 168, an advance upon that of any
previous year. We have had much for which to be thankful during the
first year connected with this institute; but let this be an
inspiration leading us to greater achievements during the year to
come. On Friday morning, amid a "sweet confusion" of tears, laughter
and farewells, the halls of the school were closed for the summer
vacation, and the students boarded the trains to return to their
homes.

J. D. BACKENSTOSE.

* * * * *

STUDENT'S LETTER.

STRAIGHT UNIVERSITY, NEW ORLEANS.

The path along which the mind must travel to obtain an education, is
much like that on which one goes to accomplish any desired end. The
student will find in his way numberless difficulties which seem
higher than mountains, lower than valleys, and darker than any forest
glade. The Alpine traveler knows that he will meet many a rugged
steep, that he must cross many a mountain torrent on slender footing,
make his way through many a gloomy valley. He does not give up, but
presses forward with eagerness and courage, until he reaches the
summit and gazes as a victor on the glorious scenes around.

So is it with the student who is determined to become useful to his
fellow-men and to God. His path is strewn with difficulties all the
way. He meets discouragements and back-sets which seem to him
sometimes insurmountable, and he will need all his courage to keep on
to the end. In our Southern country there are, it seems to me, many
difficulties which do not exist in all parts of our land; but as I
hear our teachers tell of their struggles and trials, I conclude
there is no broad, smooth way along which one may walk comfortably up
to the temple of knowledge.

Many w