CLIMATE OF CHILI. 



211 



climate very oppressive ; there is a peculiar dry- 

 ness in the atmosphere which prevents a free 

 perspiration^ rendering the skin parched and 

 dry, which occasions restless nights, loss of appe- 

 tite, and depression of spirits ; and although it 

 is not reckoned an unhealthy place to live in, yet 

 it is particularly requisite to be guarded over the 

 constitution, and not indulge too freely in the 

 pleasures of the table. It is iaipossible to drink 

 strong wine without sensibly feeling its effects, 

 and spirits taken in that country to any excess, 

 may be truly called poison to the soul." God 

 help the man that takes to drinking spirits in such 

 a climate ! However small the quantity he may 

 commence with, it will be sure to gain upon 

 him from habit ; every succeeding glass will re- 

 quire an additional stimulus, till at last the sys- 

 tem becomes so enervated, that he finds it im- 

 possible to do without it ; a train of awful con- 

 sequences follow, till hypochondriasis is the con- 

 sequence : the fatal delusion is then indulged in, 



p 2 



