The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1878-01-09
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
The Presbyterian Cot.

Perhaps the children land others) who have con-
tributed to the Presbyterian Cot" will be glad to
read short account Of our corner in the chdren's
ward it is now completely furnished, and is not
only ready for, but has its first occupant
The Retreat for the Sick, as some of your
readers know, is noble enterprise lately set on
foot 10 the city Of Richmond, whose object is to
furnish the sick place where they may receive
the care of our excellent city physicians, with the
constant attendance of our capable nurses, and at
the same time enjoy all the comforts Of quiet
home. The building is commodious well venti-
lated, we'll warmed, and furnished with every con-
yenience. 1t is situated in an airy locality and
commands fine view. The Children's Ward is
large highceied room in the third story, with six
windows facing each other on either side. These
| are shaded by curtains of soft blue color, and
when they are raised the children can see the hills
of the surrounding country. outlined with the
changing hues Of light and shade, and the green,
luxuriant foliage of trees among clusters OF houses.
| Along the inner row of windows which face the
courtyard, is balcony or piazza extending the
whole length of the ward. A door opens out to it,
and offers air and exercise to those who are able to
| take either. The cots are arranged on either side
of the room, leaving large, hal-ike space through
the middle The walls are enlvened by pictures;
and in the centre Of the room is tasteful stand for
flowers, surmounted by large glass globe in which
the fish dsrting through the water, brighten Its
sides with flashes of gold. Each cot is separated
from the others by screen, dividing some 10 or
- feet of space into little rooms which are per-
fectly private to the little individuals occupying the
cots. "The Presbyterian Cot occupies corner at
the further end of the ward, having the advantage
of even more entire privacy and a achote Wiado,o
The screen is composed of three panels or folds,
rounded at the top. Each of these panels is con-
ribution FROM and is the work of ladies represent
ing three Presbyterian churches viz. the First
4 Second, and Grace Street churches of Richmond.
| The centre panel represents on polished black
ground, golden stand with an antique vase upon
it, filled with rare flowers and surmounted by the
stem and graceful petals of the Gala Lily; near it
is a rustic basket filled with luscious, red ripe
straw berries, one or two having fallen out upon
the table. A wreath of delicate green runs be-
meath the curved top of the screen, and below is
bracket holding tumbler with graceful ferns and
sveet-scented grasses, bright hued butterfly be-
ing lust about to aght upon them. The other
psuels have handsome centre-piece, and are lite
rally covered with rich ornamentatiou; baby
faces with delicate laces around them, soldiers in
brilliant uniforms, figures in foreign costumes,
golden stars in short every variety OF face figure
aud flowers that is captivating to youthful eyes,
On one side of the cot stands neat little bureau,
with its embroidered toilet set and convenient pin
cushion and comely little pitcher and tumbler.
O yer it is an ornamental lookinggas with draw
er beneath-suggestng neatness and comfort. A
rich, soft carpet covers the floor; tiny fancy chair
stands on one side and on the other an extension
or reclining chair, cane seated, and dinner chair
which, with its attached table may be raised or
lowered as necessity requires. The little shelf
with its scrap-book Of pictures, " the Christmas
gift Of two children to those who may occupy the
COT" tells that while the necessities are cared for,
the pleasures are not forgotten and the cot itself
with its carefully protected sides and its snowwhite
linen completes an inviting picture which would
make any parent willing to see sick child in such
comfortable quarters, and so surrounded with
everything calculated to relieve the irksomeness
aud ennui of the sick bed. Mrs. Terrell who is
the Superintendent of this department is also the
watchfu nurse, and is ndefatigable in her patient
care of the little ones committed to her charge
| On Christmas day, with her help and the kind
thoughtfuness of some of the lady visitors, the
children enjoyed gitt-bearing Christmas tree.