124 EFFECTS OF CLIMATE ON HEALTH. [CHAP. IX. 



The great difference of the species of indigenous animals and 

 plants in North America, those of the middle and southern states 

 being almost all distinct from the European, points to a wide 

 diversity of climate, the atmosphere being drier, and there being 

 a much greater annual range of the thermometer than in cor 

 responding latitudes on the eastern side of the Atlantic. Even 

 BO cosmopolite a being as man may demand more than two 

 centuries and a quarter before he can entirely accommodate his 

 constitution to such altered circumstances, and before the succes 

 sive generations of parents can acquire themselves, and transmit 

 to their offspring, the new and requisite physiological peculiarities. 



English travelers often ascribe the more delicate health of the 

 inhabitants here to their in-door habits and want of exercise. 

 But it is natural that they should shrink from exposing them 

 selves to the severe frosts and long-continued snows of winter, 

 and to the intense heat of the summer s sun. An Englishman 

 is usually recognized at once in a party, by a more robust look, 

 and greater clearness and ruddiness of complexion ; and it is 

 surprising how distinguishable he is even from persons born of 

 English parents in the United States. It is also a curious fact, 

 which seems generally admitted, that the native Anglo-Austra 

 lians bear a considerable resemblance to the Anglo-Americans in 

 look and manner of speaking, which is a mystery, for there is 

 certainly in that case no analogy between the climates of the 

 two countries. 



^The number of persons in Boston who have earned in business, 

 or have inherited large fortunes, is very great. The Common, 

 a small park, which is by no means the only quarter frequented 

 by rich citizens, is surrounded by houses which might form two 

 fine squares in London, and the average value of which^in the 

 market, might bear a comparison with those in very fashionable 

 parts of our metropolis sums of from 4000Z. to 20,000/. ster 

 ling having been paid for them. The greater part of these 

 buildings are the property of the persons who reside in them ; 

 and they are fitted up very elegantly, and often expensively. 

 fEntertainments in a sumptuous style are not rare ; but the small 

 number of servants in comparison with those kept in England by 



