II ART VENT! L ATION 
39 
which should be the ruling idea in all ventilation either for 
dwellings, public offices, plant structures, places of business, or 
even the prison cell. 
I again apologize for bringing this subject to your notice, 
bat I feel that it is .a neglected one, and one to which greater 
attention should be given, and if given I am satisfied that 
European and other residents would in general maintain better 
health. The facts are it is not the climate alone, but the way 
we adapt ourselves to the conditions which surround us, which at 
times have a most pernicious effect upon the health in the tropics. 
The effect being, not from the heat actually, but from the way 
in which we accept the inevitable parts of our immediate sur- 
roundings as being at variance with early training and conse- 
quently make ourselves uncomfortable and unhappy, when apleasant 
acquiescence in tropical customs would render life more enjoyable 
and the climate would then be deemed more healthy. 
Ventilation is necessary especial!} 7 in the tropics in the basements 
oi dwellings to prevent the growth of destructive fungi which 
causes the wood to “ dry rot.” This air from the basement should 
never be carried into the d wellings, but the entrances should be 
effected ata higher level, as air at the surface of the earth is likely to 
contain more pernicious gases than that taken from a higher level. 
1 have brought the subject forward with a view of raising 
discussion, and I am well aware that I have treated it very im- 
perfectly, but it is a subject in which everyone is interested as it 
affects us all, and I trust that if no good arises from my few 
•remarks, more may arise from a better ventilation of the subject. 
