If a sick child be peevish, attract his attention either by a toy or by an ornament; if he be cross, win him over to good humour by love, affection, and caresses, but let it be done gently and without noise. Do not let visitors see him; they will only excite, distract, and irritate him, and help to consume the oxygen of the atmosphere, and thus rob the air of its exhilarating health-giving qualities and purity; a sick-room, therefore, is not a proper place, either for visitors or for gossips. In selecting a sick-nurse, let her be gentle, patient, cheerful, quiet, and kind, but firm withal; she ought to be neither old nor young: if she be old she is often garrulous and prejudiced, and thinks too much of her trouble; if she he young, she is frequently thoughtless and noisy; therefore choose a middle-aged woman. Do not let there be in the sick-room more than, besides the mother, one efficient nurse; a greater number can he of no service--they will only be in each other's way, and will distract the patient. Let stillness, especially if the head be the part affected, reign in a sick-room. Creaking shoes [Footnote: Nurses at these times ought to wear slippers, and not shoes. The best slippers in sick-rooms are those manufactured by the North British Rubber Company, Edinburgh; they enable nurses to walk in them about the room without causing the slightest noise; indeed, they might truly be called "the noiseless slipper," a great desideratum in such cases, more especially in all head affections of children. If the above slippers cannot readily be obtained, then list slippers--soles and all bring made of list--will answer the purpose equally as well.] and rustling silk dresses ought not to be worn in sick-chambers--they are quite out of place there. If the child be asleep, or if he be dozing, perfect stillness must he enjoined, not even a whisper should be heard:-- "In the sick-room be calm, More gently and with care. Lest any jar or sudden noise, Come sharply unaware. You cannot tell the harm. The mischief it may bring, To wake the sick one suddenly, Besides the suffering. The broken sleep excites Fresh pain, increased distress; The quiet slumber undisturb'd Soothes pain and restlessness. Sleep is the gift of God: Oh! bear these words at heart, 'He giveth His beloved sleep,' And gently do thy part." [Footnote: _Household verses on Health and Happiness._ London: Jarrold and Sons. A most delightful little volume.] If there be other children, let them be removed to a distant part of the house; or, if the disease be of an infectious nature, let them be sent away from home altogether.