Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/307

Rh I have never, at any time, enjoyed more deeply instructive conversations, than here and at Geneva.

I value the women of Geneva, especially for their domestic and Christian virtues. They are indefatigable in good works. But these virtues belong, principally, to the Swiss reform.

One of the most beautiful blossoms of this country, and which I never met with anywhere else, are a kind of Homes of Health, Maisons de Santé, which persons of wealth have established in the country, near the city, partly for children, partly for aged persons of the poorer classes. I saw one of these children's homes, in which frequently may be found a dozen pale, sickly little ones, under the care of a young teacher; and also one of those intended for elderly people. This latter had been established by Colonel Trouchin, on his estate. These homes are open merely for the summer months. The little children played amongst the flowers; the elder invalids sat or walked about, under shady trees, in beautiful grounds. How good it was to see them, and to hear them say that since they had been here, they found themselves much, very much, better. The fresh air, good nursing, proper and wholesome food, the unanxious life which they spent for several weeks—because they enjoy all this free of cost, or at a very trifling expense, if they can afford it—gives to many a one life and new courage.

One peculiar gift possessed by the women of Geneva, is their talent for drawing, and especially for sketching, which is done by them with great firmness