128 ON CHANGhE OF CLIMATE. 



lows the disappearance of tlie sun, must be felt, to be under- 

 stood, and no one who values his health should expose him- 

 self to the risk of cold, in quitting a crowded room or an even- 

 ing party, to return home after night-fall. In the low country, 

 one is compelled to be up with the sun, to get a mouthful 

 of fresh air ; but on the hills, in an European climate, this 

 is neither necessary nor prudent, and the invalid should wait 

 till the sun has attained sufficient height to drive away the 

 cold and moisture of the night, before he ventures out, taking 

 care, however, to return in time to avoid the powerful effects 

 of the sun's direct rays, which are greatest about 9 or |^ past 

 9 A. M. 



The diet of invalids, on the first ascent, must of course in 

 a great degree be regulated by circumstances, depending on 

 the precise nature of each individual case. In general, how- 

 ever, they ought to adhere to light animal food, with bread 

 or biscuit, eschewing vegetables, pastry, cheese, &c. : for 

 drink, port or sherry is preferable to the lighter wines ; beer 

 is unnecessary, and only loads the stomach. As a general 

 principle, invalids ought to diminish the quantity of 

 stimulus* in the shape of wine, spirits, or beer, until com- 

 pletely acclimatized. It is an undoubted fact, that a com- 

 paratively small quantity of any of these articles produces 

 head- aches and other febrile feelings, probably from increas- 

 ing the existing tendency to accelerated circulation of the 

 blood. 



In regulating their hours, regard must of course be had to 

 their previous habits of life ; most residents have gradually 

 adopted English hours, as most convenient, and allowing 

 more time for business ; but invalids will do well, for some 



* Cold water is the best stimulant, and Dr. Gully proves it to b« 

 80.— Ed. 



