376 



Report on the Island of Chedooba. [No. 113. 



changes of temperature ; careful attention to the state of the stomach ; 

 with due observation of these precautions, in aid of a sound constitution, 

 the climate of Chedooba, would be found not only healthy, but at some 

 seasons most delightful to the European. 



The eastern parts do not enjoy so temperate a climate in the hot season 

 as the western, being less exposed to the fresh sea breeze ; and the im- 

 mediate neighbourhood of the creeks would be found situations prudently 

 avoided. The fine pulverulent soil in the east, by the quantity and pene- 

 trating nature of the dust it creates, is also at that season a very great 

 annoyance ; notwithstanding therefore the greater exposure during the 

 monsoon, and that it is at present far less populous than the eastern. I 

 consider the N. W. portion of the Island, as that which, at all seasons, 

 would be found the most congenial to the European constitution. 



While speaking of the climate of their Island, it is fair to notice its 

 effect upon the natives themselves, as well as upon Europeans, and it was 

 found that they also are subject, though but inconsiderably, to occasional 

 attacks of the fever. , 



All the able-bodied men on the Island were employed with me on one 

 occasion for a fortnight together, and therefore came under my direct 

 notice, and though at hard work all day, and sleeping in the jungle at 

 night, it came to ray knowledge that fever had been taken by only one 

 individual throughout that time, an old man verging on 80 years, and 

 who ought not to have been present. 



In traversing the Island throughout, I believe not to have omitted visiting 

 any of its villages ; and whatever sick were in them, always made appli- 

 cation for relief, either personally, or by their friends. These cases 

 amounted in all to four of fever, one of small-pox, one of dropsy, one of 

 paralysis, one of blindness, and one of deformed limb, three cases of 

 fever occurred also with our Bengallee attendants. The native popu- 

 lation therefore seemed to exhibit no signs of a pestilential climate. 

 While on the contrary, throughout the Island, they afforded the clearest 

 and most extensive evidence of its healthiness, and suitableness to their 

 constitutions, in the great number of old men and women, to be found in 

 every village. 



As mere old age entitles to the respect and deference of the whole com- 

 munity, the old people, as elders and leaders, always come forth to meet 

 us ; and with few exceptions even to the age of 106 years were found hale, 

 if not vigorous in mind and body, much interesting information being 

 gotten from parties 80 and 90 years old, with memories as fresh appa- 

 rently, and minds as clear as they ever had been, men even of that age tak- 



