ostels that have been established for the purpose in the
principal bases. Many of them have never been away from their own homes
before; they know no language but their own, and a journey of the kind
would have its terrors at any time, but to all the ordinary
difficulties has now to be added the fact that they are consumed with
anxiety on account of those who are dearer than life itself. It means
everything to them that the Y.M.C.A. as a 'Great Mother Hen' takes them
under its protection, soothes and protects them, so that in the darkest
moments of their lives they are not dealt with by any officials who have
to get through so many cases in a given time, but by sympathetic
friends, actuated only by the love of God, and of country. One of the
most beautiful of these hostels is 'Les Iris.' It is hidden away in the
depths of a wood near the sea, and in the springtime the nights are full
of the melody of the nightingales. This hostel is reserved largely for
the use of the relatives of dangerously wounded officers. The lady who
presides over another of the hostels has been called the Florence
Nightingale of the Red Triangle, and indeed that would be a suitable
name for any of these ladies who take the relatives to their hearts, and
do everything possible to comfort and cheer them and make them feel at
home. As we write, a letter from one of our guests lies before us. We
quote from it because it is typical of thousands of letters received
from grateful friends:--

'Many thanks for the photo of my son's grave
received this morning. How very kind you Y.M.C.A.
people are. I little thought last November when I
was begging (Hut Week in Brighton) that I should
reap personal benefit from the Y.M.C.A. The
kindness and hospitality extended to my husband
and I when we came to France nearly three months
ago, we shall never forget. It is not in our power
to help with money except in a small way, but we
tell all we can, and help in every way in our
power.'

During a recent visit to France we had the privilege of being shown over
one of the British hospitals, which, like all our hospitals, was
wonderfully efficient. Everything that could be done to alleviate
suffering was done. In one ward every man was seriously wounded, and
side by side were two beds, one occupied by a young Canadian and the
other by a young Britisher. The lat