282 THE REV. J. G. WOOD. 



for this last ; and he did not improve matters by drink- 

 ing large quantities of tea and coffee, of which he was 

 almost inordinately fond, and would partake from the 

 first thing in the morning until the last thing at night. 

 He was also subject to that curious but common de- 

 lusion which holds that the efficacy of physic is in exact 

 proportion to the amount taken. If a small dose did 

 him good he would double it, and expect the beneficial 

 effects to be correspondingly increased. And in this- 

 matter experience never seemed to teach him wisdom. 

 But his digestive system was weak from a boy ; and, 

 though always simple and abstemious in his diet, he 

 was seldom altogether free from his constant enemy. 



In other ways his health was wonderfully good. In 

 all the years that I can remember him I do not recollect 

 that he was ever really ill, save and except during the 

 anxious winter of 1877-8; and even such minor ailments 

 as colds were almost wholly unknown to him. No- 

 doubt this immunity from sickness was due in great 

 measure to his early training as an athlete, which 

 strengthened every part of his frame, and transformed 

 him from a weak and puny boy into almost a model of 

 physical and muscular strength. A long and systematic 

 course of Turkish baths, too, rendered him almost proof 

 against cold, and also greatly improved his general 

 health. And so he was able, year after year, to work 

 day and night as he did, taking but little exercise, and 

 obtaining but little sleep, and often subject to a mental 

 strain and anxiety which would soon have caused a 

 weaker man to break down altogether. 



