he child if the conditions required by the Act are not complied
with. The nurse who undertakes this work should have been trained
in maternity work (and if possible have been examined by the Central
Midwives' Board). She should also have her certificate from the
Sanitary Institute as she is expected to report on the sanitation
of the premises as well as on the condition of the child. There is a
considerable amount of clerical work in connection with these posts.

The salary of these nurses is good, compared with the usual salaries
for nurses--L120 to L150, with a further rise to L200 after ten years
of service.

The superannuation fund, which is compulsory for all permanent
officers, yields a provision of not less than one-third of the average
rate of pay in a case of complete breakdown in health after ten or
more years in the service of the council. The retiring age, apart from
breakdown, is sixty-five years.

The conditions of work in the Provinces are much the same in general
outline as those described above, which prevail in London, except that
in the country the nurse often undertakes in addition the work done in
London by Care Committees and Attendance Officers. This, although it
increases her work also increases its variety.

VIII

NURSING IN HOSPITALS FOR THE INSANE

Mental nursing as a profession for educated women has much to
recommend it. It is of absorbing interest to those of a sympathetic
nature and of a scientific turn of mind, and it develops all the finer
qualities, self-control, patience, tact, and common-sense. It gives
scope for originality and accomplishments of every kind. The work
itself is difficult, and is the one of all the many branches of
nursing which demands the closest personal devotion and service, great
as is the necessity for these in all forms of a nurse's work.

Mental nurses are employed in (1) county asylums, (2) mental
hospitals, (3) private work.

(1) _County Asylums_--These may take from 1,000 to 2,000 patients
each. They are usually situated in the country with healthy
surroundings and large grounds, and they are generally placed within
reasonable access to some town.

Probationer nurses are received for training from twenty-one years
of age. They must be of good health and physique. A nurse who is
successful in this branch of work should be able to obtain her
certificate from the Medico Psychological Board at the end of three
years' training. The salary is L