Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 8.djvu/470

 454 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

The fact that no subscriber has as yet either reduced or withdrawn his allowance is a proof of their appreciation of the work in this its fourth year. The woman who has furnished the two extra nurses is one of the original subscribers, and still con- tinues her monthly subscription to the general house fund. Miss Briggs receives only her mere living her board and lodging from the funds ; even her clothes come outside of it. The two other nurses receive a salary and pay their board into the house fund.

One of the greatest evidences of the faith of those who know the work and who have means to assist it has been in providing funds for a summer cottage for convalescent children. In 1900, a home at San Rafael a picturesque, sheltered town across the bay from San Francisco was rented for August and September. Miss Briggs and Louise went over to manage the cottage, leaving others in charge at Tehama street. Only twelve children could be accommodated at a time, but during the two months thirty- six little ones were given a chance to recuperate in the country air. Some remained the entire time ; others, one, two, or three weeks, as Miss Briggs deemed necessary. All rejoiced in the freedom, the warmth, the trees some of which actually bore fruit; the pure milk eight whole gallons a day; the hills ; the bathing at the shore ; and the kindness of the people of San Rafael. In fact, everything was a source of congratulation, and every boy and girl returned to the city feeling that this is a very beautiful world to live in. Visitors to the summer home remarked the lovely spirit of the children there. The stronger helped the weak ; the older cared for the young ; all were cheer- ful and thoughtful ; and the only cloud was that the summer home could not be open always. One San Rafael matron was so favorably impressed that she offered to support the home three months during 1901, and this brought back health to one hundred children. During the summer of 1902 Miss Briggs herself was away on a much-needed vacation, and a summer cottage was not opened. It is hoped to have a country cottage open the whole year through, where children can be sent at any time, and where