Blankets, on account of the frequent washings, should not be all wool, nor too heavy. For warmth it is better to depend on light blankets than on any form of “comforter.” Rugs may be as bright and handsome as the hospital can purchase. The cheap wool rugs that are everywhere displayed for sale are a poor investment. The most satisfactory rugs are those made to order of tapestry Brussels, or when it can be afforded, the more expensive grade of Brussels or velvet. For small rooms three widths are usually sufficient and these made without border are not an expensive rug. For larger rooms a border is preferable, but in any case such rugs are economical and serviceable. Long lace curtains should have no place in a hospital. They are always getting in the way and being torn, always collecting dust and always an obstacle to the view and to ventilation. At best they are a nuisance, an unnecessary expense and serve no useful purpose. Soft, plain white sash curtains are the only suitable curtains for the hospital window. Provision should be made for looping them back if the patient desires it, and most patients have a longing desire to see out of doors. A comfortable, roomy rocker, with arms and without any “squeaks,” is indispensable in the private room. [Sidenote: Hospital Couches] If large enough, the room should also have a couch. It makes an agreeable change from the bed during convalescence. The common couches with elevated head are most unsatisfactory. No patient can lie on an inclined plane for any length of time in comfort. When it becomes necessary for a nurse to sleep in the patient’s room when on “special duty” these couches are an abomination. No nurse could ever get up feeling really rested, after trying to sleep on such a couch. The best hospital couch is that styled sometimes “the den couch.” The bed is flat, a full six feet by two, and the headboard being at right angles, effectually prevents the pillows from slipping off. Such a couch can be made as comfortable as a bed, combining both beauty and utility. They can be made to order by any firm that manufactures couches or beds. When covered with the best grade of pantasote these couches cost usually from fifteen dollars upward and when covered with leather from thirty dollars upward. They are the only kind of hospital couches it pays to invest in. [Illustration: HOSPITAL COUCH] [Illustration: INVALID TABLE] [Sidenote: Other Accessories]