THE WORKER AND THE WORK TO BE DONE. 5 



becomes in the tropics a question of life and death, I will record 

 them. Their observance has preserved my health intact in 

 unwholesome jungles in a way that I consider nothing- short 

 of wonderful. 



Never sleep on the ground in the wet portions of the tropics 

 when possible to avoid it, but keep above the poisonous mias- 

 matic vapors that lie close to the earth. 



Boil water before drinking it, if it is thought to be bad, and 

 avoid stagnant water at all times. 



Drink no spirits whatever except when really sick or debili- 

 tated, nor wine, nor other alcoholic beverages. Avoid brandy, 

 whiskey, and rum as you would the plague. 



Eat no unripe fruit, and with moderation of even ripe fruits, 

 excepting bananas, which are harmless and most excellent 

 food. 



Avoid eating large quantities of meat, but give the prefer- 

 ence to rice, and farinaceous foods generally. 



Wear light flannel shirts, and at all hazards keep the head 

 and nape of the neck well shielded from the sun. Pith helmets 

 are best. 



After getting wet, do not sit down in the hot sun with your 

 wet clothes on, but if you must remain in the sun, keep mov- 



ing. 



By means of rubber clothing, or " ponchos," keep from get- 

 ting wet whenever you can. 



On coming into camp with wet garments, do not sit down in 

 them to rest, but change immediately to dry clothing and foot- 

 gear. The strict observance of this rule will save many an at- 

 tack of fever. 



MEDICINES. Every traveller or collector who goes beyond the 

 ready reach of doctors (and for that matter also every family 

 living in the country) should have a small box filled with cer- 

 tain medicines and simple appliances as a resort in all cases of 

 emergency. Very often a deal of mischief can be pi-evented by 

 having the proper remedy at hand and ready for immediate ap- 

 plication. TVho has not seen great suffering endured for the 

 lack of a simple remedy costing only a few cents ? No matter 

 where I go in the field, or how much luggage I am impeded 

 with, I always carry with me a small, square, japanned tin box 



