1841.] Report on the Island of Chedooba. 375 



a man-of-war. Nor again that of the precaution which the service pro- 

 vides under such circumstances, by the administering of wine and qui- 

 nine to all likely to be exposed. This latter was found of great use, and 

 is much to be recommended, while in regard to the other consideration 

 it is right to notice, as tending to deprive this fever, of something of its 

 formidable character, that in many cases, a simple dose of medecine, ad- 

 ministered on first symptoms, has sufficed to drive it entirely away. One 

 case only proved fatal, and with it were connected peculiar circum- 

 stances. 



The climate during the period of the heavy rains is not an unhealthy 

 one, it will be one necessarily of great confinement to the European, 

 which is perhaps unfavourable, being inclined to attribute much value to 

 personal exercise, but occupation by all who know its value, would not 

 even at such time be found impracticable even for the body, much less for 

 the mind. 



The temperature during this season is cool, though the moisture of the 

 atmosphere is very destructive to every thing but stone and metal. It is 

 the time for the growth of the crops which we put into the ground just 

 previous, and it is now that nature puts on her rich clothing of verdure ; 

 and vegetation is most rapid. It is accompanied by a constant breeze 

 from the south-west. The natives enjoy this time as much as their Bur- 

 mah brethren, and with their smallest children, like frogs, delight most 

 in exposure to the heaviest falls. 



Great importance as a preservative of health in this climate is to be at- 

 tached to a very careful watch over the due performance of the digestive 

 functions; both speaking from personal experience, and also by observa- 

 tion of our sick generally, it being found that inattention to this particular 

 was not so much the occasion of dysenteric disease, as that it rendered the 

 party liable to the prevailing fever, which was found to them a very inti- 

 mate connexion with the state of the stomach, any derangement with the 

 regular functions of which, if not a certain occasion, being at least a strong 

 predisposing cause to taking the disease, and being found in all cases 

 more than ordinarily its accompaniment. 



My acquaintance with the climate of Chedooba is but small, and was 

 limited to that of the best season of the year. 1 therefore would speak on 

 the subject with every deference to the opinions of others of more practi- 

 cal knowledge, and extended experience. But as the result of what I 

 have found and heard of it ; I am strongly impressed with the opinion, 

 that, employment for body and mind — to avoid direct exposure to the 

 sun ;— good (not intemperate) living; accommodation of clothing to 



