INFLUENCE OF THE CLIMATE UPON THE NATIVES. 33 



The atmosphere of Southport is remarkably free from 

 malarious influences ; epidemics rarely occur, and when they 

 do they are seldom malignant. It exerts upon visitors a 

 sedative and composing influence. 



It is proper to remark here that notwithstanding the truth 

 of the above statement as to the dryness of the air, it is not so 

 excessive as to be irritating to the skin or mucous surfaces. 

 Such a condition would be nearly as injurious as the opposite 

 extreme of excessive humidity. Even during the prevalence 

 of the east and north-east winds those most unpopular of 

 the subjects of Boreas the irritative effect is not greater than 

 is found in other localities ; much less indeed than upon the 

 east coast of England, whilst the prevailing westerly winds 

 come softened by the vast expanse of the ocean. 



Besides the consideration of meteorological data and vital 

 statistics, there is a mode of determining the curative 

 influence of climate of not less importance, and which has 

 been too much overlooked ; that is the effect of any given 

 climate upon the native popujation. By observing the 

 peculiar nature of the climate, and its influence upon the 

 stationary inhabitants, assistance is given to discriminate also 

 in the choice of cases of disease likely to be benefited by 

 being sent to such a locality. If in any climate, it is found 

 that the agency is decidedly of a relaxing kind, and that it 

 proximately acts by modifying the tone of organs, d priori, 

 it would be inferred that such a climate is unsuitable to that 

 kind of diseased action depending upon general want of 

 tone, and a low state of functional energy. But, again, if 

 in any climate acute inflammatory affections for instance, of 

 the mucous membranes of the air passages are a common 

 D 



