he need
arises. One of these, Miss Catharine J. Morrison, is stationed at Los
Angeles, having been appointed to take my place there when I was
transferred to San Francisco last October. The arrangement for this
transfer was one of the last official acts of the late State Librarian,
my well-loved chief. Mr. Gillis was devoted to the blind, and extended
the service to this section at the earliest possible moment.

The State Library selected me as home teacher, not only because of my
years of experience with the blind, but because, blind from early
infancy, I was familiar with the handicaps and discouragements that
overwhelm the adult but recently deprived of eyesight. The pupils have
confidence in a blind teacher, because they know that every step in
their difficult path is familiar to her feet. The qualifications for a
home teacher are, briefly, these: personality, adaptability, tact, a
sense of humor, a broad, comprehending sympathy, a strongly hoping
heart, unlimited patience, and a determination to do what is best for
her pupils, no matter what the opposition, or how hard the task may be.
"He who can plant courage in the human soul is the best physician," and
this is one of the chief duties of the home teacher. Some knowledge of
nervous diseases is also essential, and it is often necessary to
exercise the greatest care and patience in giving the first few lessons,
as an unwise word, or a failure to understand conditions, may lead to
untold misery. This is especially true in cases of sudden blindness, as
the pupil is often afraid to move about his own room, confused by the
altered conditions, and bewildered by a multitude of sounds hitherto
unnoticed. It is absolutely necessary to have the co-operation of the
family, and I am often obliged to insist that changes be made in the
household arrangements, in order to help a pupil through the trying
period of readjustment. This is sometimes fraught with difficulties for
both pupil and teacher, but the latter should never lose sight of the
comfort and benefit of her charge, and should care nothing for
unreasonable objections or selfish protests.

The blind adult is in need of some one who, while recognizing the
undeniable calamity and loss, is yet ready to lend a steadying hand,
encourage the uncertain feet to their old, free movements, lead the
troubled thoughts into other channels, and find new methods of doing old
things. Thus encouraged, the blind adult will soon resume