The New York herald., 1874-08-08
THE FLOATING HOSPITAL.

Second Days Excursion OF the Sick
Chtldren's Barge "Harvest Home,n
Under tho Auspices OF st. Johns Guild.
The second excursion Of sick children on the
Floating Hospital OF st. Johns Guild took place yes
terday. The scenes 1t the wharves had rare in
terest, while the decks OF the barge were pictur-
esque In the extreme rom the motley gatherings
OF little ones who were lying about wrapped IN
shawls and other parti-coiored coverings, or went
ssraying and peering about in every direction.
some had heals bandaged in white and some were
halt and lame Such a. could walk moved about in
perfect ecstasy Of that freedom which always
gives child such pleasure. Others lay curled
mp at their mothers feet or rep0sed with
an air OF utter Incidence and happiness
IN their mothers arms. The dullest eye grew
bright under the influence OF the SKY and water,
and despairtng mothers hearts warmed with Q
new hope a. they caught the hush upon the cheek
OF loved ones that prophesied Tor them rare hour
or happiness In far away summers to come. A few
there we're who felt that the future held forth to
them no nattering hopes; tnst in 1t their little
ones would finally droop and die, and that the
present only Afforded them neeting pleasure. to
be caught from little eagerly parted lips and
great, surprised eyes, filed with passing delight,
dear, oh. 30 dear. to mothers heart.
These mothers of the poor cannot accomplish
even the things most simple to the rich. II one
has money and children ana servants one can 60
anywhere, leaving the children to the care OF the
nurse the household to the care OF the husband,
and all to the tender mercies OF the cook. The
poor woman has to care for her children with her
own hands, to nurse them from her own breast,
and she must be cook to the well ones as well as
nurse to the sick ones. She must have supper
ready at night Tor her family II she goes out by the
day to WASH or clean to earn her children's
bread or II she takes them to the Park or on the
river to their lives. For this reason the
daily excursions OF the Floating Hospital whereon
the poor are taken almost from their doors in the
morning, and. after long sail and plentiful sup
ply OF wholesome ood, are returned to their homes
In the early evening" Is of priceless practical value.
brothers and sisters OF the sick ones, though not
themselves ailing, are taken on board, cared for
and fed, releasing the mother from all anxiety and
fear.
Drs. Moms. Kennedy and Brush have intro
duced new feature in talks TO the mothers on
the necessity OF and reasons for the observance OF
simple sanitary laws OF diet and cleanliness. To
people VINO seldom or never read aud are taught
hygiene only oy suffering and death in the ordinary
course OF things, these Conversations listened to
with grateful attention and real Intelligence, Will
ud ne en to drive away rae
weighing like lead upon these poor. desparing
souls. mas been thought OF such value, 1t must aot
now be dispensed with. On the first excursion
the Orphans Band volunteered their services, but,
OF course, could not continue to devote themselves
to this service without COMPENSATION. The item
for music il 30 large that the fund Will not war
rant the expense II the excursions are to be con-
TIN ued IOr any length OF time. AIter some neSlta-
ton II has been decided to retain it the present.
however.
large number OF bouquets were received from
1.-THE FLOWER CHARITY"
and used to decorate the tables. When the chill
dren reached the landings on their return home
the flowers were presented to them, to their In
tense delight The Rev. Alvah Wiswall. the Master
OF st. Johns Guild, in speaking OF the present Of
flowers, referred warmly to the ktndness and at
tention shown by Mr.. Pennel and other officials OF
the White Star line and to the courteous and
kind bearing oil the officers detailed for service
aboard the barge by Captain Leary.
The following Is complete exhibit OF the ex-
pense account:-Tug, $45; barge, s. IS; rowbOat
ana swimmers (of service in case OF children or
others railing overboard), $5 carver, So charcoal,
81; medicine chest, IS; meat, $37 go; bread, SIS;
milk, $12; butter, S5; sugar, IS; crackers, 81;
ginger nuts s. 25; pepper, mustard, &c, So;
music, S29. Total expenses, $1S1 20. 1t is be-
neved that the future cost will not exceed $l50
per day should the music be omitted. There were
about one hundred more than on the previous ex-
cursion. The third excursion will take place to-
day.
Destitute Sick Children's Excursion
Fund.
BROOKLYN, August :, 1874
Enclosed please find So for children's excursion
fund.- e. A. B.
From "A Friend" through the HERALD $40.
The following additional contributions nave been
received by Rev. Alvah WIswall, Master OF st.
JOINTS Guild, and handed to q. Clinton De Witt,
amOner:-
Henr Rer n