living of Albrighton in Shropshire. At the same time he resigned the living of Horley, in Surrey, which is also in the patronage of the Governors, and was succeeded by the Rev. Charles Cotton, son of the wardrobe-keeper of that name in London.

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CHAPTER IX,

"But it was misery stung me in the day
Death of an infant brother made a prey;
Though greater anguish I have since endured,
Some healed in part, some never to be cured;
Yet was there something in that first-born ill,
So new, so strange, that memory feels it still."

CRABBE.

If it were not for rain, who would be able to appreciate the sunshine? Rain is necessary to refresh the earth; and though gloom attends its fall, it proves a source of good, bringing the plant to perfection, and the fruits of the earth to maturity. Health may smile on us for so long a period that we may begin to forget its inestimable blessing; but when sickness comes we learn our folly, and determine that as soon as we have regained our former strength, we will appreciate its return.

H

Having in the former chapters described the Blue-coat boy in health, receiving kindness from those around him, and passing the springtide of life joyously, it becomes my duty to place before the reader the provision made for him when illness afflicts him.

In describing the Infirmary, or building set apart for those boys labouring under indisposition, I desire to record my gratitude for the many benefits I myself experienced, and seize with pleasure the opportunity afforded me of dispelling any fear that may be entertained by parents for the care of their children during these visitations of Providence.

The Infirmary, or as it is more generally called, the Sick-ward, is approached by a thoroughfare leading from the entrance to the hall. It is of yellow brick, has a modern appearance, having been built in the year 1800, at the same time as the hall, and contains every comfort necessary to the invalid, those on the sick-list being placed under the care of a skilful practi

tioner. The building within the last few years has been enlarged: on the ground-floor is a surgery and day-room for its unfortunate occupants; the upper stories contain the dormitories and the nurses' apartments, and situated below is the kitchen with other convenient offices. Immediately after breakfast all out-door patients, that is, those who are sufficiently well not to need confinement, suffering from chilblains, cut fingers, or other trivial accidents, resorted hither, and in a room of gloomy appearance, situated underground, were soon made conscious of the presence of its mistress,+ who, accosting the boys in a strong Irish accent, commanded them to put their feet on the form, and allow her to dress their wounds. One severe winter, the number of boys troubled with chilblains was so great, that they were obliged to remain in their wards, and be summoned one ward at a

* When the illness of any boy assumes an alarming aspect, an eminent physician is dispatched from town.

Mrs. Dobson.

time to the Infirmary. When it can be done without disturbing the sick, the daily prayers of the house are offered up, and on Sundays the inmates collect around the tables in the dayroom, and the best reader amongst them reads a portion of the Church Service. During its performance, the utmost silence prevails, and the decorum of the boys is highly creditable, no monitor being placed over them, and the nurses' attention being generally required elsewhere.

In the daily journals of June 4th, 1823, appeared the following extraordinary particulars, which may perhaps be not inappropriately introduced here, relating to a boy belonging to the establishment:

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'Eight months ago, a youth about twelve years of age, named Oldham, went to bed at the usual hour, and in the morning rose totally dumb; he preserved every other faculty, but was obliged to write on a slate for everything he wanted, that he could not explain by signs. Every means of internal remedy, and also elec