32 A HANDdCK : FO& SOUTHPORT. 



according to their changing condition, is of great practical 

 importance in the treatment of disease. Nor should the 

 patient himself neglect to study and observe these differences^ 

 -which, though apparently trifling, are capable of helping or 

 retarding the progress of his case. An injudicious walk on the 

 Promenade in cold weather has often undone the work of 

 weeks ; whilst on the other hand, from the want of suitable 

 guidance, the period of convalescence has been needlessly 

 prolonged from an undue fear of exposure to a bracing 

 atmosphere. 



The character of the soil and of the surrounding country 

 adds greatly to the sanitary value of Southport. The soil,, 

 consisting chiefly of sand, retains no moisture or rain upon its 

 surface, a heavy fall of rain leaving no trace after a very short 

 tttne. The fall, indeed, is slight in comparison with that of 

 the adjacent country, which, being more hilly, attracts the 

 rain clouds more readily. The absence, in its immediate 

 vicinity, of any considerable body of fresh water, is another 

 climatic advantage, very few places having the same extent of 

 country free from running or stagnant water. The facility 

 thus afforded for taking exercise is of the utmost importance 

 to invalids. In localities situated upon the clay, a heavy 

 shower, for even a short time, involves the suspension of out- 

 door exercise for a day or two, in consequence of wet roads 

 and atmospheric evaporation. Under such circumstances, 

 which of course are of frequent occurrence, delicate people 

 are either compelled to encounter the risks attendant upon 

 wet feet and breathing a damp air, or are precluded from the 

 muscular exercise upon which depends the healthy condition 

 of all the animal functions. 



