n for the
whole or nearly the whole of their lives--an arrangement which is not
to the benefit of either party, for "change is necessary to progress,
and the tendency is, from long years of service in one place, to
narrow and lose the adaptability of earlier years."

More arrangements are needed for the recreation of the nurses when
off duty, especially in institutions situated in the country. Swimming
baths would be a real boon; the beneficial effects of this form
of exercise upon both nerves and body being too well known to need
further comment. Its value also in promoting mutual helpfulness is
by no means negligible. Reading-rooms, apart from the general
common-room, are very valuable, as are also tennis courts where they
can be arranged. All these, of course, mean expense, but, if the
better class woman is to be attracted to the work, her interests
must be considered. Moreover, healthful recreations, apart from their
benefit to the nurse herself, must re-act favourably on the patients.

IX

NURSING IN THE COLONIES

Colonial nursing is usually undertaken by those who possess the spirit
of adventure, and do not mind the prospect of pioneering work. Love of
novelty, strong interest in fresh scenes and peoples, a desire to make
more money than can in most cases be made in England, help a nurse in
colonial work, provided that work really means her life, and she loves
it. But let it be emphatically stated that the nurses who are _not_
wanted in the colonies, in any capacity, are those who are failures
in their work in England, or who simply leave the dull work of the old
country with the object of having a good time abroad. Such women may
do immense harm in countries where it is essential to the Empire that
English people should be looked up to with respect and admiration,
and where almost the most important part of an English nurse's work
(_quite_ the most important _if_ she is working in a hospital), is to
make the native nurses, of whatever race they may happen to be, see
the dignity and possibilities of their profession, and be stirred with
the desire to become proficient themselves.

No special training is required for colonial work. A thorough
all-round training, including midwifery, a high standard of nursing
ethics, a knowledge of hospital organisation, and good business
abilities are needed. The rest is chiefly a matter of temperament
and constitution. It goes without saying that a nurse for foreign