UNCLE SAM'S FARM. 23 



fevers prevail very extensively. More die of con- 

 sumption, however, than of any other disease. Three 

 things operate very powerfully against the health of the 

 American people : — First, close stoves; air-tight stoves 

 are every where, in the kitchen, the parlor, the cham- 

 ber, the counting-room, and the workshop. Secondly, 

 the constantly eating sweetmeats and confectionary^ 

 morning, noon and night ; thus the digestive organs are 

 constantly kept in action, when they should be at 

 rest ; and thirdly, fast eating^ the wearing of thin 

 hoots and shoes, and the want of exercise hy walking. 

 No one will think of walking half a mile while he 

 is able to pay for a cab. 



Boston is the capital of the State of Massachusetts. 

 The State contains 7,250 square miles; 321 cities 

 and towns ; and has a population of 973,715. It 

 sends ten members to Congress. The number of 

 State Senators (which correspond to the Council in 

 the British colonies) is 40, and the number of State 

 Representatives (corresponding to the House of 

 Assembly) is 356. The present Governor of Massa- 

 chusetts His Excellency George N. Briggs, LL. D. ; 

 belongs to the Baptist denomination. Lieutenant 

 Governor, His Honor John Reed, LL. D. The 

 Governor receives a salary of $2,500 per annum, or 



