FORESTS AS SITES FOR SANATORIA 23 
nearly four years ago, the estate of some 80 acres was 
densely covered with pines, growing close up to the buildings 
on all sides. As a result, the atmosphere was gloomy and 
depressing, and the ground immediately surrounding the 
sanatorium was cold and damp, being too well sheltered 
from wind and sun. The results of treatment in the 
sanatorium were not good, and there was a remarkable pre- 
valence of a special symptom, namely, hemorrhage from 
the lungs. After discussion with Prof. Leonard Hill, I 
concluded that it was necessary for the welfare of the 
patients that the grounds surrounding the sanatorium should 
be heroically cleared of trees to as great a distance as 
possible. This has been done. The estate is now largely 
open ground, and many acres of pinewoods on the surround- 
ing estates have also been cleared. The resulting improve- 
ment is quite definite. Sun and wind have freer access to 
the sanatorium. The general atmosphere has been greatly 
altered, and the ground immediately surrounding the 
buildings is drier and warmer. The results of treatment 
are much more satisfactory, and the incidence of the special 
symptom referred to above has decreased to a striking 
extent, and is no longer the serious matter which it was 
during the earlier days of the sanatorium.” Dr. Etlinger is 
of opinion that there is no evidence that pine trees per se 
have any curative effect on consumption; and that the 
value of pines in the cure of phthisis depends on the fact 
that they are the only trees which provide shelter at high 
altitudes ; but that “low altitude may be quite satisfactory, 
provided that the country for many miles around is equally 
low or lower and very barren of trees.” 
Dr. Etlinger believes with Prof. Leonard Hill that the 
rationale of the open-air life in the treatment of consumption 
lies in the improvement which takes place in general health 
owing to constant exposure to moving air rather than to 
fresh air. Prof. Leonard Hill is opposed to the growing of 
trees and close shrubberies at all near buildings. 
Dr. Horace Dobell, who was in practice for many years 
at Bournemouth, believed strongly in the curative effect on 
