1871.] Change of Climate on the Human Economy. 311 



Thus 85 per cent, of the men lost flesh during the first 57 days, but only 

 56 per cent, of the boys, and 58 per cent, of the cadets. Again, during 

 the first 88 days the percentages were — men 88, boys GO, cadets 6'5. 

 Further, while 53 per cent, of the men began to recover weight on reenter- 

 ing cool weather, 73 per cent, of the boys and 58 per cent, of the cadets 

 did the same. Lastly, in England, while 89 per cent, of the men gained, 

 among the boys we find 90| per cent., and among the cadets 100 percent* 

 The advanced age, greater strength, and rougher early life of the boys 

 enabled them to bear the voyage better, and recover sooner under genial 

 agencies than the younger delicately-reared cadets. On the other hand, 

 a generous diet and better regulated life caused the latter to increase more 

 in England. Under favourable conditions, as to climate, diet, &c, the 

 weight of men, and particularly boys, should not fluctuate thus. Nor can 

 such changes be salutary. As a rule adults, with fully developed frames, 

 should remain pretty stationary in weight. Boys, however, should increase 

 not only in weight, but in height and breadth of chest. For the former 

 to emaciate, or the latter to grow taller and broader, while the weight 

 remains the same or lessens, is a sure sign of present or impending mis- 

 chief. The average of 1 J lb. per week by which these cadets increased at 

 home, may be considered the healthy rate of growth for boys of their age. 

 And we may give Table XV. to show the effect of subsequent longer leave 

 in England on the physique of a larger number of cadets. 



Table XV. — To show the effect of a healthy diet and climate on the 

 physique of naval cadets, age from 14 to 17 (September and October 

 1870 ; time 44 days ; temperature 64° F.). 





Total 

 number. 



Number 

 and 

 percentage 

 unchanged. 



Number 

 and 

 percentage 

 of gain. 



Eange 



of 

 gain. 



Ave- 

 rage 

 gain. 



Number 

 and 

 percentage 

 of loss. 



Eange 



of 

 loss. 



Ave- 

 rage 

 loss. 



Weight . 



52 



per cent. 

 1- 1-925 



per cent. 

 48-92-31 



lb. 

 1-20 



lb. 



5;93 



per cent. 

 3=5-77 



lb. 

 1-2 



lb. 

 1-GG 



Height .. 



54 



20=37-04 



34 = 63 



in. 



in. 

 0-67 









Chest ... 



not m 



easured. 















Thus, of 52 cadets, 93 per cent, either did not lose or gained flesh to the 

 average of 1 lb. per week, while 63 per cent, increased in height, and no 

 doubt in capacity of chest ; but the time was too short to obtain satisfac- 

 tory results as to this. Obviously, therefore, if cadets are long subjected 

 to influences which retard their growth, even if disease does not ensue, 

 their future strength, both of body and brain, is apt to be impaired ; while 

 ship's boys and young seamen are not likely to become physical athletes, 

 nor adults to retain their vigour as fighting men. These conclusions neces- 

 sarily apply to all similarly situated. 



