But little has been done for these people when ill, except conjuring, which is synonymous with torturing, but these “medicine men” are losing their hold upon the faith of those who at one time, and that not long past, trusted them fully, and the more intelligent ones gladly avail themselves of treatment.  And no class of people needs it more, the filthy manner in which they live causing much sickness.  It has been a great surprise to me as well as to them, to see how much simple cleanliness will do in very many of these cases.  The old rule, “remove the cause, the disease is removed,” holds true in these cases.  It is encouraging to see how soon some of these come to see the great importance of this.

I have in mind now a bright little boy nine years old, who was brought to me wrapped in filthy old rags, unable to take one step on account of terrible sores, which had received no attention whatever.  The mother’s heart was very sad as she told me this was the only boy she had, five having died.  All the while I was attending to the little fellow the mother carefully watched.  She was given all that was necessary to use for two weeks and when they returned, at the end of that time, it was very evident that the boy had received good care.  The mother cared for him almost entirely after this, and in two months he came running across the prairie, his braided hair just flying, asking for a piece of bread.  While the child was not cured, he had been made comfortable, the parents’ hearts had been lightened of a great sorrow, and they had learned more than one lesson in thus caring for their child.

This is only one of many cases.  Until they feel their illness is well-nigh fatal they prefer the tent to the hospital, and even then a great many wish to die out of doors.  So that often the family come with the ill one and camp just outside the yard.  The hospital wards bring comfort to two classes principally; the more civilized Indian, who realizes the great benefit derived from good nursing, and those friendless ones who are brought because they are too much trouble elsewhere.  Both of these classes are very grateful for all they receive.  The dispensary is open all the time and a great many are provided with medicine.  I think the friends of this Hospital may be of good cheer.

* * * * *

WOMAN’S STATE ORGANIZATIONS.

Co-operating with the American Missionary Association

MAINE.

  WOMAN’S AID TO A.M.A. 
  Chairman of Committee—­Mrs. C.A.  Woodbury, Woodfords, Me.

NEW HAMPSHIRE.

  FEMALE CENT INSTITUTION AND HOME MISSIONARY UNION. 
  President—­Mrs. Joseph B. Walker, Concord. 
  Secretary—­Mrs. John T. Perry, Exeter. 
  Treasurer—­Miss Annie A. McFarland, Concord.

VERMONT.

  WOMAN’S HOME MISSIONARY UNION. 
  President—­Mrs. A.B.  Swift, 167 King St., Burlington. 
  Secretary—­Mrs. M.K.  Paine, Windsor. 
  Treasurer—­Mrs. Wm. P. Fairbanks, St. Johnsbury.