23. It is important to remember--the more so as it is often forgotten--that to lay more upon human nature than its Maker has made it to bear, is to do a foolish, let alone a wicked thing. Upon an average, all men and women can dispense with, or abridge sleep for more or less time. Upon an average, all men and women, after a laborious day, require a good night, in the long run. When they do not have it, either health, efficiency, or sobriety, or all go. Believe, again, that this is not theory, but the result of practical observation, much extended. A strong soldier is no exception to the general rule. In the long run, if made to do night-duty after a laborious day, he will either go to sleep, or drink to keep awake, or he will get knocked up before his time. And this it is part of his business to be in time of war; therefore, in peace-service, it is economical to let him last his time. It is then sound economy to give watchers sufficient sleep. [Sidenote: Scheme of Night-Service for Three Orderlies watching by turns.] 24. Supposing regular night duty required, in a ward of 30 men, supplied as above, and served by half a Nurse and three Orderlies, it might be worked thus: the Principal Medical Officer would decide whether the same Orderly should do the night duty for a week, or the three on successive nights: probably the latter. The Orderly might come on night duty at 9 P.M., and remain on duty until 9 A.M., thus taking his share in the heavy morning work of cleaning the ward, &c. In all well-ordered Hospitals it is required that this should be done by 10 A.M., in some by 9 A.M. Earlier is undesirable in the English latitude (in other climates it is different), unless either the patients are to be disturbed earlier than English Surgeons consider right; or the ward, &c. cleaning is hurried through. A large ward, got into thorough order by 9 A.M., is in very good time. Of course it may happen occasionally to be got ready somewhat earlier, but this refers to the average. SCHEME FOR THREE ORDERLIES A. B. C. SERVING WARD X. Monday, 3 P.M. A goes to bed, after taking his share of the morning work, eating his dinner, and helping to clear away ward dinner, &c. 9 P.M. A comes on night duty, after 5 hours’ sleep, and allowing 1 hour for undressing, dressing, and eating his supper. Tuesday, 9 A.M. A goes off duty, having watched until 6 A.M., having breakfasted, having taken his share of the morning work, and leaving the ward clean. Let him have the option of one or two hours’ fresh air, either now, or before 3 P.M.; let him sleep full three hours; let him have his hot portion of dinner taken to him at the usual hour, unless all the Orderlies on night duty are served together at a different hour; and let him, 3 P.M., return on duty, washed and shaved. B goes to bed, &c.; 9 P.M. B comes on night duty. Wednesday, 9 A.M. B goes off duty; 3 P.M., C goes to bed, &c.; 9 P.M., C comes on night duty, &c.