204 FLORIDA.

ence, and extended inquiry in various portions of the State,
and I unhesitatingly assert that the opinion entertained
with regard to the prevalence of malaria during the cold
months in Florida is unfounded. .
 "From my observations from Canada to the Gulf of
 Mexico, I am convinced that febrile diseases assume a mild-
 er form, and are more easily cured, in Florida than in States
 to the north of it. I shall no doubt be met with the reply,
 'Look at the waxy complexions and gaunt forms of many
 Floridians, met with at some of the landings and depots.'
 I admit the mild impeachment, and can attribute their ca-
 chectic condition to bad water, insufficient clothing, unsuit-
 able and uncomfortable habitations, and the improper food
 they eat from childhood to the grave. In any other State
 but Florida, they would be the victims of enlarged spleens,
 cardiac dilatation, chronic gastritis, tuberculosis, dropsical
 effusions, or albuminuria. But contrast the natives referred
 to with those who have comfortable homes, sufficient cloth-
 ing, and who drink pure water and use good and nutritious
 food ; or with Northern and Western people who have been
 in the State for years, and the latter will be found to be
 pictures of health. I admit that in Florida, as everywhere
 else, there are insalubrious localities, but they should be
 avoided by strangers. But, to avoid them, interested par-
 ties should not listen to the senseless twaddle of irrespon-
 sible hotel-keepers, hotel, steamboat, and railroad runners,
 or strangers suffering from a severe attack of acrophobia.
 A majority of the cases of illness occurring among visitors
 in this State, are referable to indulgence at table, drinking
 impure water, the inhalation of impure air, the American
 weakness of rushing hither and thither, occupation of un-
 ventilated rooms, and a ridiculous system of senseless drug-
 ging indulged in by strangers, as a consequence of the ad-
 vice given by physicians who are ignorant of the climate
 and its diseases. .
 "Considering climatic factors, as a result of experience,
observation, investigation, and study, we are convinced that
Florida presents more attractions and advantages as a win-
ter resort for invalids than any State in the Union. The
temperature is favorable, the mean relative humidity is pe-
culiarly adapted to the treatment of all forms of pulmonary
disease, the air is salubrious, and in a large portion of the