CLIMATE Sc DISEASES.—BOOK II. 
Ill 
CHAPTER III. 
CLIMATE-DISEASES. 
WH AT is generally remarked respecting the climate of 
the U. States, is particularly applicable to this territory; to wit, 
variableness. In the spring and winter, during the continuance 
of S. W. winds, it is agreeably warm; but by the change of the 
wind to N. W. the most sudden alteration of weather is produ¬ 
ced. The winters of St. Louis are usually more mild than in the 
same latitudes east of the Allegany mountains, but there are fre¬ 
quently several days in succession of greater cold than is known 
even in Canada. Last January (1811) after several weeks of de¬ 
lightful weather, when the heat was even disagreeable, the ther¬ 
mometer standing at 78°, a change took place, and so sudden* 
that in 4 days it fell to 10° below 0°. This winter was also re¬ 
markable for a circumstance, which the oldest inhabitants do not 
recollect to have ever witnessed; the Mississippi closed over 
twice, whereas it most usually remains open during winter. 
The settlements of this territory, have in some measure ob¬ 
tained the character of being unhealthy. There is no doubt, but 
that, as in other parts of the western country, which have not 
been properly put under cultivation, autumnal fevers will pre¬ 
vail. The vicinity of the lakes has not been remarked as more 
unhealthy than at a distance: convenience generally induces the 
settler to choose this situation. It is a prevailing notion, that to 
be sick the first summer, is what every settler must expect. 
This is not generally true. In some parts of the territory, the 
district of New Madrid, and immediately on the Mississippi, this 
seasoning is severely paid : but in other parts of the territory. I 
can say with confidence, that not more than one tenth undergo 
it, and that in a slight degree. From the first of August 
to the last of September, is considered the most unhealthy. 
Much depends upon the care which the settler takes in avoid¬ 
ing whatever may tend to produce sickness. The scorching 
heat of the sun is universally agreed to be unfavorable to health. 
Night dews and exhalations are not less so. The food of most 
of the settlers, is calculated to generate bile ; great quantities of 
