ealth feels
the strain of their arduous duties in such a climate as that
of the plains of India. The money required for this
most essential purpose the Government consider might be
"appropriately left to the active benevolence of private
individuals interested in the welfare of the British Soldier
in India."

For aid towards the establishment of these "Homes in the
Hills," Lady ROBERTS, wife of the gallant Indian hero, Sir
FREDERICK ROBERTS, makes an appeal which _Mr. Punch_ desires
most earnestly to second.

Subscriptions will be received by the Alliance Bank, Simla;
Messrs. Cox & Co., Craig's Court, London; and by Lady ROBERTS
herself.]

To nurse our stricken Soldiers! Nobler task,
Or more ennobling, can our Sisters ask?
Whilst stout hearts suffer, soft ones shall not fail
In selfless readiness to soothe and save,
Sharing the tribute rendered by the brave
To FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE.

Her sex's strong and sweet exemplar, she
Must surely send across the orient sea
To "NORA ROBERTS," as a kindred heart,
Message of warm good-will. And we at home
For whom our soldiers fight, and watch, and roam,
Shall we not do our part?

'Tis sad to think that in that burning land,
For lack of ministry from woman's hand,
Strong men and gallant boys have sunk and died.
Gladdening to hear that Nursing Sisters now,
To cool hot lips and ease pain-fevered brow,
Will seek our Soldiers' side.

But who shall nurse the Nurses? When the strain
Of ministry on India's torrid plain
Brings the fatigue that, long-neglected, kills,
They'll need, as health-resorts whereto to send,
For rest restorative, the soldiers' friend,
Homes in the cooler hills.

For these the Lady of our gallant Chief,
Whose brilliant march brought Candahar relief,
Pleads to a public whom that honoured name
Alone should stir to sympathy and aid.
Help for the Helpers! _Punch_ is not afraid
_That_ plea will miss its aim!

* * * * *

[Illustration: JUPITER TONANS!

"HA!--A POWERFUL WEAPON!--HOPE I MAYN'T HAVE TO USE IT!!"]

* * * * *

HOLIDAY HINTS.

(_From Crowded-out Correspondents._)

SIR,--The plan of your Correspondent, "A DOUBTFUL SAILOR," who alleges
that he avoids sea-sickness by drinking two bottles of Champagne
before starting, and then goes on board