402 WET CLOTHES AND FEVER. CHAP. XIV. 



sun, and an attack of fever followed. We relate this little 

 incident to point out the almost certain consequence of 

 getting wet in this climate, and allowing the clothes to 

 dry on the person. Even if we walk in the mornings when 

 the dew is on the grass, and only get our feet and legs 

 wet, a very uneasy feeling and }3artial fever with pains in 

 the limbs ensue, and continue till the march onwards 

 bathes them in perspiration. Had Bishop Mackenzie 

 been aware of this, which, before experience alone had 

 taught us, entailed many a severe lesson, we know no 

 earthly reason why his valuable life might not have been 

 spared. The difference between getting the clothes 

 soaked in England and in Africa is this : in the cold 

 climate the patient is compelled, or, at any rate, warned, 

 by discomfort to resort at once to a change of raiment ; 

 while in Africa it is cooling and rather pleasant to allow 

 the clothes to dry on the person. A Missionary in propor- 

 tion as he possesses an athletic frame, hardened by manly 

 exercises, in addition to his other qualifications, will excel 

 him who is not favoured with such bodily endowments ; 

 but in a hot climate efficiency mainly depends on hus- 

 banding the resources. He must never forget that, in the 

 tropics, he is an exotic plant. 



