154 TRINIDAD. 



of most of our swamps is materially tempered during the rainy 

 season, when their ground surface is overflowed by pluvial waters. 



It has been assumed, that miasma is constantly disengaging 

 from forest lands. I admit the fact with restriction ; for this 

 occurs only or at least in any appreciable degree where the 

 ground is low and subject to inundation. 



Nearly the whole surface of Trinidad may be said to be covered 

 with virgin forests ; many swamps, formed by an admixture of 

 fresh with salt water, exist all along the island shores, particularly 

 on the western coast ; the average quantity of rain which falls 

 throughout the year may be estimated at seventy inches ; the 

 mean annual temperature is 81. The climate may thus be classed 

 as at the same time humid and warm, and, consequently, highly 

 debilitating ; certain precautions, therefore, become necessary to 

 counteract the effects of such a temperature on the general con- 

 stitution. 



Persons coming to Trinidad may avoid, to a certain extent, 

 the diseases resulting from the climate, and become acclimatised 

 or seasoned, as it is called, by submitting to a few rules deducible 

 from the foregoing considerations. The climate being both warm 

 and humid, such rules must be a combination of those which are 

 respectively applicable to a warm, and to a humid climate. 



Diet. It is, in my opinion, of great importance that no pre- 

 conceived system with respect to diet should be assumed or en- 

 forced ; and I regard as a great mistake, the adoption of and sub- 

 mission to certain theoretical dietetic prescriptions, without due 

 preparation or gradual transition. The best plan is, as far as 

 practicable, to follow one's previous regimen, if found to have 

 agreed with the constitution, and, by degrees, to substitute those 

 changes or modifications which observation may suggest, or 

 experience sanction. 



The almost exclusive use of vegetable food is, by some hygien- 

 ists, strongly recommended to persons inhabiting a warm climate. 

 Such a diet may suit an exclusively warm climate, and be accep- 

 table to those individuals who spend their time in the dolce far 

 niente, and enjoy a long siesta during the mid-day heat ; but 

 individuals living in damp localities, and leading an active life, 

 would soon become enfeebled and invalided by indulging in a 

 purely vegetable diet. In such a climate, and with such habits, 

 I consider the use of animal food, and particularly of fresh meat, 



