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186 existence of the work, at least during 1856. * * * Whatever may be the ultimate fate of the Messenger, there have been drawn forth, by the recent appeal to the public, expressions of kindly regard for the work and of appreciation (only too flattering) of the editor's services in Southern Literature, both on the part of the press and of private individuals, which he can never cease to remember with gratitude."

1856. Now comes the change in the form of "The Ancient Mariner,"—the Messenger: "the number of pages is increased, while the size of the page, always cumbrous, will be diminished. More material will be given and in a more convenient form." A new design is adopted for the cover and there are to be two volumes a year. So that there is a "New Series, Volume I., January to June. John R. Thompson, editor: Macfarlane, Fergusson & Co., proprietors." The original title of the Messenger had been very properly restored from the too heavy one, which Minor and Simms had given it at the time of their union, in 1845.

The year opens with a companion to that long article already referred to, viz.: "Africa in America." But the general tenor of the contents seems to be more lightsome than heretofore. A translation from Emile Souvestre is continued. "North and South Carolina Colleges" is copied