424 DIRECTIONS TO OFFICERS 



tion ; they become peevish and fractious in their tempers ; a 

 burthen to themselves, and a curse to all around them. 



10. On landing, keep out of the heat of the sun ; or, when 

 out of doors, wear an umbrella. For some time, walk at 

 leisure, and use no violent exercise in the heat of the day- 

 When a man is fatigued, sickness is at hand. In other 

 words, he is liable to a remitting fever ; to receive contagion 

 from human subjects, or from marsh miasma of salt marshy 

 grounds by the sea. 



11. As forts and garrisons in the West Indies, are on the 

 low lands by the sea, they are generally unhealthy. If you 

 have a choice, take a house on a rising ground, remote from 

 swamps, and well clothed with timber trees, and succulent 

 plants. 



12. Hiding is a healthy exercise, especially before break- 

 fast : and sea-bathing is salutary, but remember never to 

 bathe tchen you perspire, or zvhen cold ; and you ought not 

 stay above one minute in the water at a time. 



13. If at any time you are caught in a shower, keep in 

 motion until you get to your own house, or that of a friend. 

 Then get a complete shift of clothes to hand ; alter stripping, 

 let your skin be well wiped with a dry towel : I by no means 

 approve of rubbing the body with rum, as by it the pores 

 are constricted, and a fever may be the consequence. The 

 best cordial, in this case, is a warm basin of tea, coffee, cho- 

 colate, or broth, according to the time of the dav- As vou 

 value your life, abstain from warm toddy, punch, or negus, 

 unless this last is very weak. 



14. There are a number of excellent fruits in all the islands ; 

 take care they are full ripe ; and eat a little of them at a 

 time, in the morning or afternoon. 



15. Strangers are much tormented with mosquitoes, but, 

 after a while, pay no attention to them. Be sure to draw 

 down the mosquito-net close all around, and brush well in- 



