t may be hoisted over
the head of the sick person to keep the dust from her nose and nostrils.
The bare parts of the floor should be gone over with a damp duster or a
damp mop.

The dusting should be done with a damp or oiled duster also, so that the
dust may not be scattered. A basin of soapy water should be at hand and
the duster washed in it frequently while dusting, so that the dust
collected on it from one surface will not be carried to another. While
dusting special attention should be paid to the doorknobs and that part
of the door around them.

When the dusting is finished the dusters should be thoroughly washed
and scalded and hung out of doors to dry.

The Bed

A metal bedstead is better than a wooden one, as wood holds odors and
moisture, and is apt to have more cracks and crevices for germs or bugs
to lodge in. It should be white, for then it shows when it needs
cleaning and bed bugs keep away from white surfaces which show them up
easily.

If possible, have the bed in a part of the room, where the drafts will
not strike the patient every time a door or window is opened, and where
the light does not shine in the eyes. If it can be placed so that the
patient can see from the window so much the better.

To Make an Unoccupied Bed

Remove pillows and bedclothes, one at a time, being careful not to let
corners drag on the floor, and put to air. Turn the mattress over from
end to end one day, and from side to side next day. If the patient does
not have to return to bed at once leave to air for at least half an
hour.

An old blanket, old spread or a quilted pad, spread over the mattress
not only protects the mattress but prevents the sheets from wearing out,
and may make the bed more comfortable. These should be kept clean.

The bed for a sick person is frequently made with a rubber sheet and a
draw sheet. The draw sheet is so called because its proper use is to be
drawn through under the patient without greatly disturbing her and give
her a cool fresh place to lie on. Therefore it should be long enough to
tuck in sufficiently under one side to allow of this being done. An
ordinary sheet folded in two from top to bottom and placed with folded
edge toward the head of the bed may be used. It should entirely cover
the rubber sheet, which is usually put on between the bottom and the
draw sheet.

[Illustration]

When the mattress is sufficiently aired, put on the protective covering.
Over this spread