to give her the idea that all reading should be done in her

own room.

Always provide your guest with a pitcher of cold drinkingwater, morning and evening.

Among the articles we have mentioned there will be several that our friend will bring with her; yet sometimes, in the hurry of packing, even the most necessary small articles may be overlooked and forgotten; so that when she finds them already provided for her use by the kindly forethought of her hostess, how she will bless that dear woman in her heart for saving her the discomfort of having to ask for them, which, unless she may be an intimate friend, she would hardly like to do.

Don't imagine that the extra conveniences, in shape of workbasket, etc., should be supplied for ladies only. Our young or old gentleman guest may require them as well; for we wives do sadly realize how buttons will snap off from some of man's apparel, at the most inconvenient times. And surely every man should know how to sew on a button, as such an accomplishment would stand him in good stead many times.

Every mother should teach her boys how to use a needle and thread, to sew on buttons, mend rips, and also to darn stockings, even though he may never need to do it for himself, Most of the articles mentioned above can be ornamental as well as useful, and in looks alone will add much to the attractiveness of "the guest-room."

In this enlightened age women rank high as physicians and nurses, and it is conceded that, as a class, they are peculiarly adapted to this work. Every woman should consider it not only a privilege, but a duty, to instruct and train herself for the office of nurse. Our Lord, when upon earth, spent more of his time in the cure of men's bodies than in preaching; and when he ascended into heaven, he charged his disciples to "lay hands on the sick," that they might recover. We are abundantly taught that it is a Christian duty to intelligently care for the sick and helpless.

The indispensable qualities of a good nurse are, common sense, conscientiousness, and sympathetic benevolence; and yet one may possess these virtues, combined with good judg-. ment, and still be a miserable nurse, for want of knowledge and training. Therefore it is essential that every woman should cultivate every opportunity for gaining knowledge in this direction, so that, in time of an emergency, she may be possessed of the right knowledge, which always gives assurance and presence of mind. This is not only important in the sick-room, but also in every home.

Cheerfulness and self-forgetfulness are prime requisites in the character of the nurse. Illness makes people selfish; therefore it is all the more necessary that there should be unselfishness to counteract this weakness. One who cares for the sick should

cultivate self-possession, calmness, quiet cheerfulness, patience, a tender hand, a gentle voice, - that "excellent thing in a woman," at all times. She should have the faculty of being "handy"; that is, always doing the right thing at the right time; never being guilty of such awkwardness as dropping or knocking over things. Even patients who, when in health, are careless and noisy, when ill, are very sensitive to the disturbance of disorder, while quietness and neatness have a soothing effect upon them.

In order to secure neatness, order, and quiet, in case of long illness, the following arrangements should be made: Keep a large box for fuel, which will need to be filled only twice in twenty-four hours. Provide also and keep in the room, or an adjacent closet, a small tea-kettle, a saucepan, a pail of water for drinks and ablutions, a pitcher, a covered porringer, two pint bowls, two tumblers, two cups and saucers, two wine-glasses, two large and two small spoons; also a dish in which to wash these articles; a good supply of towels and a broom. Keep a slop-bucket near by to receive the wash of the room. Procuring

all these articles at once will save much noise and confusion.

Nothing contributes more to the restoration of health than pure air; therefore it should be a primary object to keep a sickroom well ventilated. At least twice in the twenty-four hours, the patient should be well covered, and fresh air freely admitted from out-of-doors. After this, if need be, the room should be restored to a proper temperature by the aid of an open fire. Bedding and clothing should also be well aired and frequently changed, as the exhalations from the body, in sickness, are peculiarly deleterious. Frequent ablutions of the whole body, if possible, are very useful; and for these, warm water may be employed when cold water is disagreeable.

Whenever medicine or food is given, spread a clean towel over the person or bed-clothing, and get a clean handkerchief, as nothing is more annoying to a weak stomach than the stickiness and soiling produced by medicine and food.

Keep the fire-place neat, and always wash all articles and put them in order as soon as they are out of use. A sick person has nothing to do but look about the room; and when everything is neat and in order, a feeling of comfort is induced, while