Introduction xxxiii 



that the natives are far cleverer than ourselves 

 in protecting themselves from the elements. 

 Rain is the most disagreeable state experienced 

 by them, and so they have set their wits to 

 work to guard themselves effectively against 

 it. I have shown that it is important to guard 

 oneself from the direct action of the sun no 

 less than from the rain. Undue exposure to 

 either will surely bring on fever, the bane of 

 existence in the Tropics ; no man hardly ever 

 escapes some bouts of it at one time or the 

 other. Ill-effects of the sun should be most 

 promptly treated with cold bandages to the 

 head, and, where procurable, with ice ; sedatives 

 are also essential and the patient should be 

 kept in a cool dark room. Noise is harmful ; 

 a parrot or a chattering monkey in the 

 veranda should be removed to the coolie 

 lines, or, best of all, shot. They are both an 

 abomination and better left in their native 

 jungle where they belong. 



When one has tramped around in the cold, 

 damp and rain, and has perspired to boot, it is 

 well to have a good hot "grog" brewed, and 

 partake of a light dose of quinine mixed with 

 it. Now, I do not mean to counsel a constant 

 recourse to the bottle on the occasion of every 

 shower, for moderation is the best course in 

 all things ; but it cannot be gainsaid that a little 

 alcoholic stimulant is beneficial in such emer- 

 gencies, and of all the stimulants in the Tropics, 

 the fine, unadulterated " Hollands Geneva " 



