FOKESTS 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, beUeved strongly in the curative effect on 



