My darling Mitherkins,

Here it is Thursday again and actually I was washed and be-pigtailed before the rising bell rang. If such things occur after they won't be able to hold me in bed long. It has been very sultry the last few days and this morning I didn't need a dressing jacket at all but donned my green [robe?] for my light one.

There are two more patients in a tent in a line with mine on the other side of Miss Roberts, my neighbour. Young Robertson & a Mr. Myers in the old tents. Young Robertson got very gay and went in swimming and so had to retire to bed. Mr. Myers only passes my tent once in the day on his way to wash & back before breakfast. They look comical these chaps in their gay coloured bathrobes.

Various people are going off. There were a Mrs. Kay and her daughter from Winnipeg. They attend Charles Gordon's church. She is a widow and the daughter is a teacher. The daughter is such a nice girl and I'll miss her very much. The mother is not so very ill but not likely at her time to recover and not able to stand the strenuous life of the fresh air cure, so the doctor said to take her home and make her comfortable. The daughter is just at the beginning of it but the doctor thinks she will be able to teach by Xmas.

Then Mr. Rugg-Dugg-Bugg. I gave him Hilda's message & told him she was calling him names & he said he'd get after her. He is going to-morrow.

The McArthurs, tho' it isn't known yet, so don't mention it to Jean if Hilda happens to write--are expecting to go within a month too. And some are preparing to go to Denver but none of these I know. Most are staying on as the winter is said to be the best time for this trouble.¹

Well I think that is all the news. There are quite a few more birds here now on their way south. A couple of little wild canaries stayed several days. I wonder what that sweet little note was. It was interesting to hear of those people in the West keeping track of the birds. It would really be something to find and know the names of the birds. More should go in for it.

Well here comes my breakfast. 6 a.m., but I'm an early bird. I beat you this morning I'm sure. I do hope you're feeling stronger. With very much love & love to all,

Your affec'nate child,

Ruby

¹ This letter gives some indication of the accepted treatment for Tuberculosis in 1909. The "fresh air cure" involved living in a tent and being almost bed-ridden. Later in the letter she indicates that even the cold air was thought to be the best treatment for "this trouble." See W6551 dated November 1909 in which Ruby appears to be still in the tent.

For more information on Ruby and her treatment for Consumption (Tuberculosis), see W6135, and see her biographical sketch by clicking on "Family" on the Home Page and then clicking on her picture.