90 STATISTICAL ACCOUNT OF THE 



of my complaint, I was informed it entirely arose from the ex- 

 ercise I had taken in the sun-shine, which generally had the 

 same effect on all new comers for the first few months, until 

 custom, like second nature, had rendered them capable of 

 bearing the rays of light. This circumstance I have given at 

 full, length, hoping it will act as a caution to others; for the coup 

 de soleil, though so frequent a disease, is not habitually foTcseen 

 and provided against. In reading over Dr. Pinckard's notes on 

 Demerary, I observed in several instances, he complained of the 

 unhealthiness of the climate, and especially at the Mahaica post, 

 which is as hne a situation as any the colony affords, and is 

 indeed frequently visited by convalescents for the benefit of 

 the sea air. However, the cause of my wonder soon ceased, 

 by his saying in another place that the soldiers were frequently 

 employed by their officers at that post, to drag nets through 

 the sea to catch fish for their mess, and were sent in open boats 

 up the Creek for fresh water. The being thus exposed to the 

 burning rays of the sun, before they were properly accustomed 

 to the climate, accounts fully for their unhealthy state. And 

 surely new troops but just arrived from England were not ca- 

 pable of bearing a fatigue and exposure, which not even new 

 negroes can always endure, though born nearly in a similar 

 climate. 



,1,-..^.. ,-J iiii ii 'iiiiiV^t- ' ■ "' 



On my first arrival, the necessity was suggested to me 

 of making immediate application for medical assistance on. 



