F 187 E2C4 ^' «*°J «#• p ■:: V ',-' : -' ^"V ^. ^F: ? ; -<>* ^ THE CLIMATE OF 1THE EAS^EI^N SHOI^E OF 1 2s/L^LTZirTjJL.lXnD CONSIDERED WITH REFERENCE TO ITS SANATIVE AND CURATIVE INFLUENCE IN PULMONARY CONSUMPTION AND OTHER DISEASES. S^-iiT^. BY C. W. CHANCELLOR, M. D. SECRETARY OF THE MARYLAND STATE BOARD OF HEALTH MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION M EMBER OF THE MEDICAL AND CHIRURGICAL FACULTY OF MARYLAND; HONORARY FELLOW OF THE SOCIETY OF SCIENCE, LETTERS AND ART, OF LONDON, &C, &C. A Second Volume On the Health Resorts of Western and Southern Maryland, in course of preparation. BALTIMORE. WALWORTH & CO. 1889. COPYRIGHT : C. W. CHANCELLOR. M. D. BALTIMORE. 1SS9. Ill TO THE PEOPLE OF THE EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND THIS LITTLE VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR. IV TABLE OF CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Preliminary Observations. Winter resorts needed. A high temperature not important. Improvement to health from change of air. Climate in pulmonary consumption The Bastern Shore comparatively exempt from pulmo- nary diseases. Rational treatment of consump- tion. CHAPTER II. How Health Resorts became known. Popular favor will follow public notice. How Cannes and Mentone became known. Abbazia and the Benedictine monks. How Biarritz came to be patronized. Florida brought into notice by tin- Civil War. The Eastern Shore as a health sta- tion. A moderate summer climate. CHAPTER III. Atmospheric influences. The influence of atmospheric air. Climate modi- fied by local conditions. Value of climate in the treatment of disease. Changes in the climate of the Eastern Shore. Theoretic composition of the atmosphere. Ozone and its antiseptic functions. CHAPTER. IV. The Physical and Social aspects of the Eastern Shore. Extent of the Peninsula. Isothermal lines. At- lantic Coast lines. Topographical aspects and position. Prevailing winds. Social aspects. Resi- dential improvements. Hospitality of the section. Social and substantial comforts. CHAPTER V. Flora, Forests and Fruits. Vegetation of the Eastern Shore. Luxuriant Forests. The pine tree as an anti-miasmatic. Fruit trees and fruit CHAPTER VI. Meteorological Conditions. The Eastern Shore a temperate climate. Aver- age annual temperature. Mean winter temperature. Mean summer temperature. Atmospheric pressure. Precipitation of moisture. Average aerial humidity Electricity in the atmosphere. VI CHAPTER VII. Circumstances influencing' the temperature of the Eastern Shore. External Configuration of the Earth's surface. Temperature affected by soil' Effects of large bodies of salt water. Duration of the seasons. Advice to invalids. CHAPTER VIII. Climatic advantages of the Eastern Shore. Character of the seasons. Compared with Euro- pean resorts. Winds from the Gulf Stream. A highly favored locality. A dry and tonic climate. Resume. CHAPTER, IX. The Eastern Shore as a Sanitarium. When to visit the locality and for what diseases. An admirable home for children. Dr. Geddings' observations on climate. Relation between tem- perature and organic tone. Change in medical doctrines. Elevated positions not necessary for the cure of pulmonary consumption. Relation between soil-moisture and consumption. The climate highly beneficial in other diseases. Eastern Shore as an all-the-year-round place of residence. Neutral prop- erties of the climate. VII CHAPTER X. Comparative absence of malaria on the Eastern Shore. Exceptionally healthy. Facts and figures. Salt water-marshes not unhealthy. The sanative con- dition of Venice, as compared with the Eastern Shore. Malaria due to a bacillus. Mill-dams as generators of malaria. CHAPTER XL Food, exercise and clothing. Change of climate necessitates change of food, etc. Varied dietetics and excellent cuisine. Ali- mentation and natural characteristics. Fine food makes the gentleman. Some rules in dietetics. Opportunities for exercise. Clothing. CHAPTER XII. Sea-bathing- on the peninsula. The bath preventive and curative. Facilities for bathing. Bay-shore bathing. Prolonged baths in- jurious. Caution necessary. Warm salt water. The water of the Chesapeake Bay. The season for bathing. Recapitulation. VIII PKEFACE. Books have become so plentiful, that the pre- sentation of a new volume requires to be prefaced by some explanation of the author's motives. The object of this work is two fold : First, to place before the public, in a proper form, the advan- tages which the Maryland and Delaware Peninsula, including the Eastern Shore of Virginia, offers as a climatic or health resort ; and, secondly, to impart information which may conduce to the removal, or — what is of more consequence — to the prevention of disease. In this attempt, I have endeavored to avoid all theoretical discussions, as incompatible with the object of the work, and all remplissage, which tends more to increase the size of a book, than to add to its utility. Should the following pages contribute to a more general diffusion of informa- tion on the subject of which they treat, I shall be rewarded for my labor. C. W. Chancellor, M. I). Baltimore, 20th Sep., 1889. CHAPTER I. PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. Winter resorts needed. Year by year the increasing necessity for winter resorts, easy of ac- cess to the centres of population, has been felt by the public, and especially by invalids who natu- rally and properly prefer to be within reach of the loving care of family and friends. Thus far Florida, South Carolina, and Califor- nia have been the principal refuge during the cold season, especially for persons afflicted with pulmonary diseases. The great distance of these localities from the large cities of the East and North West, not only renders them inaccessible to many, but it is questionable whether a sudden transplanting of invalids, who are compelled to leave their Northern homes in the early fall to visit the enervating climate of the far South, is not a measure fraught with evil consequences; while in spring the quick rise of a southern tem- perature hurries the departure of the patient to 2 EASTERN" SHORE more northern regions, }et too cold to be borne without inconvenience if not danger. The merit of a climatic resort is not determined solely by temperature, though it is well for those suffering from chest affections to consider prima- rily the influence of weather. Disturbances of the respiratory organs, it is well known, are chiefly brought about by atmospheric influences, precise- ly as dietetic faults produce disorders of the digestive functions. Winter resorts with the most various climates, warm, cold or moderate, can adduce instances enough of perfect cures hav- ing resulted from such influences. Do we not find that climatic resorts even in Southern Europe have their colder seasons, with even an extraordi- nary low temperature at times during the winter? And all the more sensitive to such changes is the visitor when the house he occupies is not built for a winter residence. A high temperature not important. It the situation and physical character of a place are favorable, if a medium average with regard to warmth, moisture, winds, etc., is attained, and the invariable variations are not abnormal, a high place in the scale must be assigned to it. The OF MARYLAND. cool air of a mountain resort in the summer is more grateful to a sufferer from lung diseases than are hot, oppressive atmospheres; hence it is quite certain that a specially high temperature is not the active agent, the resolvent factor in chest diseases. For persons with other ailments, and for such as seek rest and refreshment, a high temperature is still less important and may even be undesirable. The determining reason must be sought in the origin and character of the disease in each particular case, and especially in chronic cases. Excessive or long continued heat is very rarely the agent which will be found the most active in eradicating chronic chest affections. Apart from climatic considerations, visitors seeking health resorts are largely influenced in their selections of a place by accessibility and other advantages. Such visitors do not wish, on the one hand, to banish themselves beyond the reach of home influences; nor, on the other, do they care to be imprisoned in the heart of a great city. They want to be where they can have good air, pleasant natural surroundings, and a town of some size not too far away, with certain "accessi- bilities" to the great outside world and their 4 EASTERN SHORE friends at home, such as good post office and tele- graph facilities, etc. A winter resort that can add these to climatic inducements, lias a great advantage; and these advantages, to their fullest extent, the Eastern Shore of Maryland can un- hesitatingly claim. Improvement to health from change of air. The marked improvement in health, pro- duced by a change from the city to the country, even for a short period, and the great ameliora- tion, and even cure,of various diseases effected by a removal from one part of the country to another, are matters of daily remark. It may suffice to mention, in reference to this fact, pulmonary af- fections, asthma, hay fever, dyspepsia, intermittent fever and various nervous disorders. Those diseases are often benefitted and not unfrequently cured,after having long resisted medical treatment, by simple change of situation ; or they are found to yield, under the influence of this, to remedies which previously made little or no impression upon them. Climate in pulmonary consumption. In pulmonary consumption, the most frequent and fatal of all constitutional diseases, it is uni- OP MARYLAND. -5 versally conceded, that change of climate has been attended by more favorable results than any other plan of treatment yet devised. It has prolonged the lives of thousands, and thousands have died under its operation, either from an improper selection of cases or an ignorant choice of locality. The Eastern Shore comparatively ex- empt from pulmonary diseases. It is not pretended that the climate itself exercises any specific agency in the cure of consumption ; on the contrary, there is scarcely any known climate that does not foster its growth and dissemination, It is widespread throughout all latitudes and under every meridian ; but it is probably less frequent and destructive on the Eastern Shore of Maryland than in any other known locality. It was formerly supposed to be a disease of cold climates especially, and that a change to a very hot climate was the best means of averting or of curing it. We know now that very nearly the opposite of this obtains. Consumption is seldom met with in the Arctic Regions, nor in places under very high latitudes, such as Iceland, the Orkneys, or Siberia. 6 EASTERN SHORE Rational treatment of consumption. The symptoms of consumption, as observable in the pulmonary system, cannot be treated by direct local application ; no simple atmospheric condi- tion will relieve them of itself, or it would be unnecessary for the patient to leave home at all. since an artificial climate concocted in bis own dwelling would, if such were the case, answer all his wants. But it is, as ])v. Jackson asserts, "to the general constitutional dihciencies and to the complications of the disorder that the invalid's attention should be particularly addressed. Exercise in the open air, cheerful scenery, a well-regulated diet, and other regimenal circum- stances, are of the utmost importance; and. in selecting a situation for a consumptive, must be duly weighed." CHAPTER II. HOW HEALTH RESORTS BECOME KNOWN. Popular favor will follow public notice. The Eastern Shore - of Maryland undoubtedly possesses many climatic advantages. In the low- er peninsular the temperature during the winter is comparatively mild, and the atmosphere re- markably clear and bracing. Indeed it would seem that Mother Nature had predestined this particular locality as a winter resort; but while the intentions of "Mother Nature "may be excellent, something more is necessary before the place with its countless advantages can rise to the position for which nature may have designed it. It must first be brought into public notice, and popular favor will soon follow. How Cannes and Mentone Ijecame known. The climate of Cannes, the renowned winter resort in the South of France, is no finer now th.an it was before Lord Brougham accidently visited it a few years ago, built a house there and brought the place into notice. EASTERN SHORE An inscription on a house in Mentone, another popular and much frequented resort in the south of France, records that in 1885 the first discoverer of that spot as a health resort arrived there, yet the fact of J>r. Henry Bennett, of London, going to Mentone for his health, practicing as a physi- cian there during the winter, and subsequently writing a most facinating hook about it. is the chief reason why Mentone lias increased in popu- lation and prospered in such a phenominal manner. Abbazia and the Benedictine Monks. A physician ofFiurne, on the Adriatic, is entitled to the credit of having discovered that the spot on which the Benedictine monks had settled, known as Abbazia, was well fitted for others to regain health and enjoy life. Several years after a wealthy citizen of the same place built the famous, •• Villa of Angiolina," close to the ruined Abby, and laid out the beautiful grounds which surround it; filling them with rare plants.- which would not flourish at Fiume, in the open air, though the Villa is only a few miles distant from that town, lie placed his villa at the disposal of invalids among his acquaintances, and it gradually OF MARYLAND. 9 became known how much benefit could be derived by those in delicate health from a sojourn at Abbazia during the months when the weather at Fiume was trying and bleak. In 1860 the fame of Abbazia reached the ears of Empress Maria Anna, and she spent some months in the Villa Angiolina. Several Austrian Archdukes have since visited the place, the last visitor of note ' being King Milan. Where Empresses and Kings take their pleasure, minor mortals are expected to congregate, and in the case of Abbazia this anticipation has been fully realized, for during the winter of 1888-9 the available accommodation was not sufficient to meet the demand. How Biarritz came to be patronized. The patronage of Biarritz by the Emperor Napolean III and the Empress caused the place to grow apace, hotels and villas being built all along the cliff, and towards the close of his reign it was beyond all question the most brilliant seaside resort in Europe. The Spaniards who visited Biarritz to a limited extent when it was a mere fishing village, flocked there in large numbers to enjoy the hospitality of the court, and 10 EASTERN SHORE a great many Russians of distinction, invited to the Imperial villa, discovered that Biarritz was a much more desirable seaside resort than thos< along the Belgian coast to which they had been in the habit of resorting, and they spread the knowledge of this abroad among their fellow- countrymen. But of English visitors there were at that time very few, and the way in which they came to know and appreciate the place is very curious. The firsl English visitors at Biarritz were son:* descendents of officers who had fallen in the campaign of Wellington against Soult. They had come out to search for the graves of theii relatives, and while examining the little cemeten at Biarritz, they noticed that nearly all the native tombs there were of very young children or very old people. They found upon further inquiry that, as a matter of fact, the mortality in Biarritz was exceedingly low, which induced them to recommend it as a healthy residence. Tjiat the English people now appreciate the former fishing village as a winter residence may be inferred from the fact that they go there each year in increasing numbers, and last winter, — 1 888-9, — Her majesty. OF MARYLAND. 11 Queen Victoria, added, by her presence, to the attractions of the place, where she was received with " present arms" by French soldiers, some of them, no doubt, descendants of the men who fought against her grandfather's troops three- quarters of a century ago. Florida brought into notice by the civil war. If the Northern armies of our own conn try had not encamped in Florida during the civil war, the balmy climate of Jacksonville, St. Augustin, and other places in that state might never have come into repute. But half the task is accom- plished, after nature has done her part. It is necessary, first, that a health resort should be rendered easily accessible, and. secondly, that some one should appreciate its merits and make hem known. The Eastern Shore as a health station. 1 is worthy of note that the peninsular of Maryland possesses extraordinary advantages as a health station. It is one of the iX'w places that otters to one class of invalids the attraction of a compara- tively wiild and moderately dry climate in winter, and to another class excellent sea-bathing in summer. There is no reason, therefore, why, if 12 EASTERN SHORE properly adorned by art, it should not be crowded with strangers during both the winter and summer seasons. The catering places in the south of England, though much interior, in point of climate, to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, are resorted to all the year round; but the class of patients visiting them during the winter season is a very different one from that which is found at them in the summer. A moderate summer climate. It is gen- erally supposed that the climate of the peninsula is intolerably hot in mid-summer, but this is an assumption which is not justified by the facts. The heat of summer is not by any means oppress- ive; on the contrary the temperature is so modified by the south and south-east winds passing over large volumes of salt water, that the extremes of temperature are nothing like so great as at many mountain resorts, where the thermometer will frequently regester over blood- heat at mid-day and but little above freezing at night. The mornings and evenings on the Eastern Shore are usually cool and charming, during most of the summer, and no one who has not visited the locality at that season can form OF MARYLAND. 1-3 a notion of how enjoyable the climate really is. The richness of the verdure and the luxuriance of the vegetation mark it as a spot rich in climatic advantages. 14 EASTERN SHORE; CHAPTER III. ATMOSPHERIC INFUENCES. The influence of atmospheric air. It was not without reason that the ancients called the air we breathe, Pabulum Yit.e, for it is to us an essential, vital food which we take from the first to the last moment of life, on an average of eighteen respirations per minute, and m quantity about eight cubic metres every twenty four hours. ' Considering this and analagous facts, we can comprehend the great influence, for good or for evil, that the air which surrounds us exercises on life in general, and particularly on the health and well being of the human organization. The study of atmospheric influences is, however, very complicated ; it embraces a knowledge of the temperature of the air, of its density, humidity and chemical composition ; of its electrical con- dition and many other circumstances counected with it. OF MARYLAND. 15 Climate modified by local conditions. The combination of all these conditions acts powerfully on the animal economy, the effects of which may be seen on the inhabitants of different parts of the world. It is by examining these questions in detail that we are enabled to judge of a climate, to decide as to its hygienic qualities. or unhealthy state. But the primal causes which constitute the great difference in climates are infinitely modified by local conditions, for the air is the receptacle of the exhalations from the earth, and from all organic matters, animal and vegetable, upon the earth. It is the combination of these different circumstances which opens such a vast field of observation to clematologists. Value of climate in the treatment of disease. The value of climate in the treatment of diseases has been recognized in all ages, A\ e read that during the Empire of Augustus, the Romans sent their consumptives to Cemenelum, the ancient City of Cimies, situated on the Appenine hills which border the western coast of the Mediterranean, a locality greatly esteemed on account of its delightful and salubrious climate. Changes in the climate of the Eastern Shore. In the early settlement of our country 16 EASTERN SHORE the Eastern Shore of Maryland was selected as a place of residence, not only with reference to the fertility of the soil, but also on account of the healthfulness of the climate, which does not seem to have undergone much change since that period, except in its hygrometric condition, which has been somewhat modified by the destruction of the primitive forests that then covered the entire country. By this change the air has become drier, and consequently milder in winter, but warmer in summer. Among the residents it has ever enjoyed a high reputation for salubrity, except in certain well defined areas, where, owing to bad drainage,malarial influences have prevailed : but such fevers are not by any means as prevalent as is generally supposed, and it is quite astonishing that this favored locality witli its luxuriant vegetation and delightful climate, pre-eminently suited to many cases of disease, especially of a pulmonary character, should have remained so long unknown to strangers and unsought by valetudinarians. That the people of Maryland appreciate the Eastern Shore as a winter climate may be inferred from the fact that many visit there during the winter, and not a few have purchased OF MARYLAND. 17 property with the view of making it their future home. It is true that the residents have the locality pretty well to themselves during the months of July and August, for notwithstanding the fact that that season of the year on the peninsula is undoubtedly cooler than many places further north or east, invalids and pleasure seekers who have the means of gratifying their tastes prefer going to the mountains. There are, however, several summer resorts on the bay and ocean shores, which afford excellent sea-bathing and are well patronized during the summer months. Theoretic composition of the atmosphere. It is unnecessary to discuss here the theoretic composition of the atmosphere, and the means which have been employed by scientific observers to determine the constancy of certain, and the variability of other, of its parts. What we understand by a pure air, practically considered, is one containing a sufficiency of vital elements, having, at the same time, a due capacity for those effete matters which it is the object of the lungs to throw into it during the act of respiration. Of the various gases exhaled from the surface of 18 EASTERN SHORE the globe, and by which the atmosphere is deteriorated we need not now treat. The commonest laws of sanitary science inculcate the necessity of preventing such emanations, so far as man can effect an end so salutary, whilst other sources of impurity, which by reason of their extent are beyond his control will be adverted to at the proper time and place. Ozone and its antiseptic functions. In discussing atmospheric influences, however, it is necessary to advert briefly to that occult atmos- pheric ingredient known as Ozone, whose mysterious nature has been made the subject of comparatively recent inquiry. This allotropic form of oxygen is a gas possessed of remarkable powers of oxidation, and on that account is supposed to be capable of strong disinfecting and antiseptic functions, whereby it relieves the atmosphere of noxious miasmata and other impurities; it is incapable of supporting animal life, and when breathed in its pure state, irritates the lining membrane of the air-passng°s. Much has been expected from this new atmospheric element. It has been stated that in it lies the secret antagonism of epidemics; because there is OF MARYLAND. 19 evidence to prove that during calm weather this class of diseases increase in virulence, whilst ozone, under the same atmospheric condition, diminishes in amount; and that when winds arise the pestilence retreats, whilst, and perhaps becaus3, ozone increases in quantity. We know that ozone is present in considerable quantities in many localities on the Eastern Shore, but we have no means of determining the exact quantity, nor can we aver that it has any specific action upon the health of the country. We must not forget that the beneficial effects derivable from climate are to be found in the sum of many conditions, and not in the specific action of one new atmos- pheric agent. 20 EASTERN SHORE OHAPTEE IV. THE PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS OF THE EASTERN SHORE. Extent of the peninsula. Of that fertile section of the state of Maryland, known as the •• Eastern Shore," Ave need only speak in general terms at this time, as it will be, for the purposes of this work, sufficiently brought before the reader in succeeding chapters. The Chesapeake and Delaware Peninsula contains an area of six thousand square miles, bounded on the north by the State of Pennsylva- nia, on the east by the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, on the south and west by the Atlantic and the broad Chesapeake Bay. Its extreme length is about one hundred and eighty miles, its greatest breadth from sixty to seventy, and its least about ten miles. This territory lying between 37.50° and -±0° north latitude, and longitude 75° and ?6° west, belongs to three OP MARYLAND. 21 States and is divided as follows-: Eastern Shore of Maryland, fire-ninths, State of Delaware, three-ninths, Eastern Shore of Virginia, one- ninth. Isothermal lines. Thus situated it lies between two isothermal lines, corresponding respectively to a mean annual temperature of 55° and 60° Farh. Its northern aspect is not less than 2 C lower than Rome, while its southern boundary is about on the same parallel with Madrid. Tts favorable latitude, taken in connec- tion with other circumstances, renders the climate pleasant throughout the year. Atlantic coast lines. The Atlantic coast of this peninsula extends from Cape Charles on the south to Cape Henlopen on the north, and presents in trending a series of infractuosities which have the effect not only of increasing the extent of sea-board, but likewise of investing its natural scenery with additional attractions, and its climate with greater mildness and equilibrity. It is well watered, and although it can scarcely lay claim to the title of a well wooded region, it is not by any means destitute of forests, which furnish, among others, fine specimens of 22 EASTERN SHORE oak, chestnut, cedar, elm, pine and cypress trees. Its forests and streams abound with game, fish and oysters, to be had for the mere taking, so living is sure and life made easy and comfortable. In certain localities, both on the east and west sides of the peninsula, there are considerable marshes, some of which owe their existence to bad drainage; but it is to be hoped that the sanitary measures hitherto so vigorously pressed by the Maryland State Board of Health will not cease until such morbific agencies are entirely eradi- cated. The soil of the lower peninsula consists of a compound of sand and marl, together with cal carious formations, resting for the most part on a bed of marl. At many places the soil is impregnated with salt, and a greater or less quantity of saltpetre. Topographical aspects and position. As to its topographical aspect and position, the surface of the peninsula, though generally level, may be said to shelve from north-northeast, to south-southwest. By this declivity the beams of the sun, during the winter solstice, fall more directly and perpendicularly than if the surface were entirely level and parallel to the sun, or OF MARYLAND. 23 what, for climatic purposes, would be worse, declined from south to north, which would cause, so to speak, a double obliquity, — the one from the position of the sun, the other from the formation or situation of the land. The aspect or exposure of the land's surface forms an important object for consideration in the study of climate. It does not follow that the general inclination of the whole country is to be taken into the account, but the aggregate of local exposures is often a safe guide to the general climatic conditions. If what has been said of the direction of the solar rays in their passage to the earth be true, it is obvious that the southern and western aspects of the Peninsula must be subject to less extensive ranges of temperature than that of the east, for in the former the sun sheds its beams upon the surface with unmitigated force during the winter, while the eastern aspect, caeteris jwribus, can never be so warm, because the power of the morning sun in warming the ground is counteracted by the cold effects of the preceding night, whereas, the afternoon sun falls upon ground which has been gradually rising in temperature during the forenoon. This, how- M EASTERN SHORE ever, does not hold good in the summer when the sun is at its greatest altitude, and consequently must pass its beams in a vertical direction, shedding warmth alike on all exposures. Dr. Jackson, who has written with much ability on the subject of climate, says: " A moderately undulating country is prefera- ble to one either altogether mountainous or- al together flat. Close valleys are subject to all the inconveniences of a sluggish atmosphere, and their occupants sutler accordingly. An open country, on the contrary, which permits the sun's rays on all sides, and a free course to the winds, especially if possessed of sufficient declivity for carrying off the water briskly, is generally healthy. It is in the valleys of the Alps, where the atmos- phere is so pent up that it cannot circulate, and whose waters stagnate and evaporate, filling the air with noisome fogs, that we meet with that unhappy and degraded abnormity of humanity, the Cretin." Sir James Clark regards a long residence in a very mild climate as unsuitable to young persons disposed to tubercular disease. He says : "Long residence in a very equable climate is *DF MARYLAND. 25 not congenial to health, even with all the advan- tages of exercise in the open air. A moderate range of temperature and of atmospheric changes seems necessary to the main tai nance of health ; and hence it is, that many invalids who derive great benefit from a temporary residence in a mild, warm situation, do nut bear a long residence mi such an atmosphere without injury." Dr. Combe, during his residence in Madeira, remarked that invalids were better when the temperature was less steady, and the weather more variable, than when the season was unusual- ly mild and equable. The same effects have been found to result from a long residence at some of our southern health stations. Such situations form excellent residences for a time, after which the patient ceases to improve, and rather loses than gains strength. As a winter residence for invalids, and also as a residence during the whole year, the peninsula of Maryland, both on account of its topography and temperature, is to be preferred, in most cases, to more southern stations. ■ Aged invalids, and those suffering from pulmona- ry cachexia will more particularly derive benefit 26 EASTERN SHORE by residing on the Eastern Shore during the whole year. The topographical peculiarities of the peninsula account, in a measure, for the predominant characteristics of its climate; but they do not, at first sight, convey to the mind of the casual observer a correct appreciation of their sanitary influence. Thus it is generally inferred, from the marshy aspect of the lower peninsula, that inter- mittent fever would necessarily prevail to a great extent, whereas, the experience of later years is in complete opposition to such an inference. How the idea that the Eastern Shore of Maryland is more than ordinarily malarious and unhealthy originated, it is not of importance to inquire ; but that tliis opinion is founded on error we shall be able to prove, by reference to historical facts and statistical data. Prevailing winds. By reason of the moun, tains of Pennsylvania and Maryland the Eastern Shore is peculiarly circumstanced with respect to its prevailing winds. To the west and north- westarethe Blue Ridge Mountains ; but they are sufficiently far off to insure a break in the bleak and piercing winds which come from that OF MARYLAND. 27 direction. Those winds are usually very dry and have the effect of sweeping away the vapers emanating from the marshes of the peninsula giving rise to a serene and transparent atmosphere. The only draw hack to this otherwise salubrious wind exists in the vicisitudes of temperature which it occasions, though these are neither soe intense nor sudden as the mistral, the north-west wind so well known and so much dreaded in Southern France and Italy. The west wind is not so much felt as those from the north-east, for it appears rather to pass over the peninsula and fall upon the ocean at a considerable distanc, from the shore; while the latter are cold and piercing and fall more directly upon the land. The duration of the north-east wind, however, is never long; on ordinary occasions it ceases after twelve or twenty four hours. The high lands north of the peninsula oppose quite an effectual barrier to the boreal winds, which would other- wise sweep vehemently over the land. But the direct east wind and those from the south and south-east have a free course, and may be called the determining winds of the climate. 28 EASTERN SHORE Social aspects. In regard to tire social aspects of the Eastern Shore, not much need be said. The people are proverbial for their culture, refinement and hospitality. The native residents- are for the most part descended from the cavaliers and still preserve, in a striking manner, the characteristics of that brave people. Although the tine forests, that once sheltered so many wild animals and specimens of floral grandeur have, to a great extent, given place to the comforts and elegancies of modern homes, the farmer — prince of the soil — still as of yore, sits in the shade of the wide-spreading oak, and " under his own vine and fig tree " watches the growing strength of his crops, listens to the mur- muring surge of the ocean, and witnesses the gorgeous effects of the setting sun on the placid waters of the Chesapeake bay. Residential improvements. Of all the improvements that have been effected in this section of the State of late years, none present themselves so readily to the eye as residential improvements. In former years that regard for outward appearances, which enhances so much the enjoyment of a country home, were not prop- OF MARYLAND. 29 erly regarded, but such is not the case at the present day. Far from there being a want of taste in the construction and decoration of houses, some pretension to it is every where found, from the exterior architectural elevation of the princi- pal front, down to the arrangement of a nosegay on the mantle, while everything about the prem- ises marks the salutary influence of culture and refinement. Surrounded by beds of flowers and groups of ornamental shrubs and plants, the pri- vate residences on the Eastern Shore make a pleasing and inviting impression on strangers. Hospitality of the section. Always dis- tinguished for his attachment to "creature comforts," such as canvas- back ducks and diamond-back terrapins, the Eastern Shoreman is renowned for cordial and unaffected hospitality, and is never better pleased than when the refine- ments and pleasures of his home are shared by friends and strangers. The latch string hangs on the outside, at all times, and with true hospi- tality he delights to " welcome the coming and speed the parting guest." Social and substantial comforts. Inva- lids seeking an invigorating and pleasant winter 30 EASTERN SHORE climate will find it here; but, at present, they can only obtain accommodations in the village hotels, or, preferably, in private families, where they may secure both social and substantial com- forts. No proper accommodations have yet been provided for the public, except at Tolchester and Eock Hall, in Kent county, Oxford,in Talbot coun- ty, and Ocean City, in Worcester county, but na- ture's materials are here for a great sanitarium, and soon there will be a disposition — a savoir /aire — to make use of them.* The climate is undoubt- edly a pleasant and salubrious one, during both winter and summer, and when this fact becomes more widely known the means of enjoying it will be amply supplied. * Eastern and Salisbury are now contemplating the con- struction of large modern Hotels for the accommodation of winter guests. OF MARYLAND. 31 CHAPTER V. FLORA, FORESTS AND FRUITS. Vegetation of the Eastern Shore. We must not fail, as connected with the subject of climate, to glance at the vegetation which abounds on the Eastern Shore. There is no better criterion by which to judge of the conditions of the climate and soil of a locality than the observation of its plants. Without voluntary motion, fixed to the spot which contains the conditions of their origin and future development, the children of Flora live their dreamy life and are for the observer mute yet eloquent witnesses of occurrences which exert their unfailing influ- ences upon the welfare of mankind. Luxuriant and full of vitality, they fulfil under favorable circumstances their entire functions; that is to say, they- germinate and grow, they bloom and ripen their fruit and die, as soon as the task of their respective lives is accomplished. 32 EASTERN SHORE If all the conditions favorable to their existence are not united, the latter is not necessarily endangered, but will develop only those vegetable organs which are absolutely necessary for their existence. Such is the case with many cryptogams, which form roots, branches, twigs and leaves, but neither flowers nor fruit. If these scanty conditions of life should be altogether wanting, the possibility of the continued existence of the plant is entirely removed, and it disappears from the locality where it previously existed ; but its blooming sisters tell by their presence of the existence of those conditions which are necessary for their life and growth. " The soil," says Prof. Hoffmann, "exhibits to a certain degree its entire interior in the plants which cover it. Peat betrays itself by peculiar plants which only grow in large quantities and to perfection in such a soil. Swamps which contain salt are recognized by the existence of certain plants which are no where found except on the sea-shore, or in the neighborhood of great bodies of salt water.'' A certain knowledge of these conditions is of practical value ; it furnishes hints for the cultivation of newlv cleared tracks of OF MARYLAND. 33 land; it gives information of the condition and intrinsic value of the ground ; and, it may be added, it often very clearly characterizes the climate prevailing m a certain district of country. Luxuriant forests. In addition to its Flo- ra, the Eastern Shore of Maryland abounds with fragrant and luxuriant forests, which produce from early spring until late in the fall an agreea- ble coolness, while in winter they diffuse an apparent warmth. The forests consist of oak, chestnut, Cyprus, laurel, and a variety of soft wood. Pines cover considerable districts, and perfume the air with their balsamic odors, at the same time impregnating it with ozone or peroxide of hydrogen, and rendering it more salubrious, both in summer and winter. The pine tree as an Anti-misasmatic. The anti-miasmatic power of pine forests has been long supposed to have some connection with the volatile oil which is naturally secreted by them, and which finds its way by evaporation into the atmosphere. But, in explanation of these results, it has been generally held that the volatile oils have the power, in some way, of giving rise to 34 EASTERN SHORE" ozone,— u substance, which, judging from it& chemical properties, may be supposed to oxidise or burn up the malarial matter infesting some- soils, and especially the atmosphere of fresh- water marshes. In connection with the salutary properties of pine forests, it is interesting to notice a few facts which have become matters of general experience,. — facts which, known from very early times, have come down to posterity without any adequate explanation. It has been known for ages that the atmosphere of pine forests is most favorabh to invalids suffering from pulmonary affections, and even at the present time it is customary to send invalids to breathe the exhalations of the Ooniferae. Dr. Cornelius Fox, in his interesting work on ozone, dwells upon this subject, and alludes to the fact recorded by Herodian, that, " in a plague which devastated Italy in the second century, strangers crowding into Rome were directed by the physicians to retreat to Lauren turn, now San Lorenzo, that, by a cooler atmosphere, and by the odor of laurel, they might escape the danger of infection." tsof the roots of pine trees throw out thousands of threadlike fibres, which suck up a great quantity of water, an 1 that which is not utilized in the rapid growth of the trees is ultimately evaporated with the essential oil from the leaves.— Natures Hygiene p. 268. 36 EASTERN SHORE Fruit trees and fruit. The Eastern Shore abounds in all kinds of fruit bearing trees, yield- ing the most delicious fruit, such as peaches, pears, apples, apricots and all sorts of stone and other kinds of fruit, vines bearing the most xe- quisite grapes clingto and hang down from trellis works in nearly every garden, as well as on the hill sides where this fruit ripens in large quanti- ties. r l ne estuaries of the hay abound in the finest fish, oysters, crabs, terrapins and water- fowls, affording line amusement for anglers and sportsmen. OF MARYLAND. 37 CHAPTER VI. METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. The Eastern Shore a temperate climate. In observing the vegetation of the peninsula of Maryland during the greater part of the year — its soil enameled with flowers, and with the verdure of plants and trees — one might almost imagine that this favored land belonged to some tropical climate ; but the thermometric changes indicate, on the contrary, that it belongs to the temperate zone. The climate, however, is characterised by moderate warmth and dryness. The prevailing winds in winter are those from the west and northwest, which are generally dry and bracing. The east and south winds, which often blow for days at a time, are warmer and more humid. Northeast winds, which are unpleasant, usually prevail, not longer than one or two days, about the time of the equinox, but are infrequent during the remainder of the year. 38 EASTERN SHORE Average annual temperature. The aver- age annual temperature of selected localities of the peninsula is 57° Farh., being 27° warmer than Boston. 25° wanner than Chicago, 24° warmer than Colorado Springs, 22° warmer than New York, 18° warmer than Cincinnati, 4° warmer than Baltimore and Washington, and 5° warmer than Penzance, a favorite winter resort in England; 3° colder than Rome, and 8° colder than Madeira. But of all the statistics of tem- perature, those representing the annual mean are perhaps the least important in forming an estimate of the comparative merits of different health stations. The Maryland Peninsula, for instance, is on aboui the same isothermal line as Italy (58°) and Spain (1)1°), but the temperature of the two latter places is much more balmy during a greater part of the winter, and altogether more relaxing and enervating. Mean winter temperature. The mean temperature of the lower Peninsula for December, January. February and March, the four coldest months of the year, may be reckoned at 40° — 42° ; or about 18° warmer than Boston, 15° warmer than Chicago, \'2° warmer than Colorado OF MARYLAND. 39 Springs, 6° warmer than Baltimore, 2° warmer than Atlantic City, 1° colder than Ashville, X. C, 5° colder than San Francisco, 7° colder than Aiken, S. C, and 18° colder than Jacksonville, Fla. Of foreign stations it is 20° colder than Madeira (60°), 9° colder than Koine (49°), 8° colder than Xice (48°), and about the same temperature as Penzance. The temperature throughout the year is probably, more equally distributed on the Peninsula than at any other place on the sea- board, the mean between the warmest and coldest months being about 30° — 32°. In steadiness of temperature it ranks next to Aiken, S. 0. Mean summer temperature. The warm months, from May to October, are more pleasant on the Peninsula than is generally supposed; the temperature (the mean of which, for the four months, may be stated at 72°) does not rise so high in the day or fall as low at night as in more northern localities. During the day the action of the sun's rays renders the earth warmer than the surrounding saltwater, and a constant current of moderately humid and cool air is brought from the ocean and the bay to the land, 40 EASTERN" SHORE which contributes greatly to lessen the tempera- ture, that otherwise would be very warm. During the night this action is reversed, as the tempera- ture of the water is warmer than that of the earth, which is a better conductor of heat than the water, and consequently the winds set in from the mountains of Western Maryland towards the ocean, passing over the bay. These constant aerial changes, followed by the condensation and rarification of the atmosphere by the sun's rays, serves to cool the air and render it more salubrious. Autumn on the Eastern Shore with the exception of a few days perhaps of equinoxial storms, is the most beautiful season of the year, and introduces the winter in a gradual manner. The changes from one season to another are not usually abrupt, but on the contrary the thermom- eter shows that the atmospheric oscillations are modified in a successive and gradual manner. Atmospheric pressure. Id determining the sanitary condition of a locality the question of atmospheric pressure, verified by barometric observations, is not less important than a record of the temperature; and, in this connection, it may not be amiss to state that the borometer OF MARYLAND. 41 indicates two important qualities in the atmos- phere of the peninsula. 1. The atmospheric pressure is usually very great, and consequently the air is rich in oxygen. 2. The velocity of the atmosphere is considera- bly modified, the average yearly amount of wind in miles being about 95.50, which is less than at most any neighboring health station on the Atlantic coast. These two circumstances are of the greatest importance to persons suffering from affections of the respiratory organs. The geographical position of the locality, with reference to the level of the sea, where the air is continually under the influence of a great pressure, satisfactorily explains the strong barometric pressure. In estimating climates according to their humidity, Vivenot, a German hydrologist, adopts the following classification. 1. Dry Climate, J Excessively dry 1—55% relative humidity (b) ) Moderately dry 56— 70°) 2. Moist Climate, (a) | Moderately moist 71- 85 (b) f Excessively moist 86— 100 The mean Relative Humidity, of the Eastern Shore, representing the amount of water contained 42 EASTERN SHORE in the air at a given temperature, being about 56, it would rank as a moderately dry climate, and this is corroborated by other tests. Iron does nob rust easily, and clothes dry rapidly in the open air. Lucifer matches do not readily become soft and useless, and wearing apparel rarely Incomes limp under the influence of the ordinary atmos- phere. Dr. R. E. Scoresby — Jackson, in his valuable work on Medical ( 'limafalogy, says : — "The prevailing amount of moisture contained in the atmosphere, and the relative frequency of rainy days of a locality, are characteristics of the utmost importance. Extremes of dryness and humidity are alike injurious, and produce effects corresponding with the natural temperament of the individual. Thus, a dry air, being powerfully tonic and stimulating, is agreeable to persons of relaxed habit of body and leucophlegmatic tem- perament, because, having a large capacity for moisture, it tends to carry off from their bodies those stagnant and depressing humors which clog the organic functions. But, on the other hand, they who are nervous and irritable, and of san- guinolent constitution, cannot bear the excitation <0P MARYLAND. 43 caused by a dry air; they require a certain amount of moisture to allay the excess of tonicity already •existing. A moderately dry atmosphere, however, is best adapted to the physical condition of man- kind generally; not only on account of its direct effect upon his body, but also because it is that state which least of all encourages the diffusion of poisonous gases. A humid atmosphere is generally deleterious; if accompanied by heat, it wearies and debilitates the frame ; being already surcharged with moisture, it refuses to receive the aqueous exhalations which the lungs and the skin are both desirous of imparting to it, and a sense of oppression and heaviness is the result. When accompanied by cold, the above discomforts are increased by a feeling of chilliness and an absolute tendency to many forms of disease. With the atmosphere in such a condition as this, the organ- ic powers are enfeebled, they are incapable of performing the necessary chemical and mechani- cal functions required of them, and in consequence of this certain poisons are generated within the system, which in their turn, vitiate the blood, and ultimately manifest their presence by local deter- minations, such as we observe in scrofula, 44 EASTERN SHORE rheumatism, pulmonary consumption, and the like. The causes of atmospheric moisture exist chiefly in the condition of the soil, in the state of the cultivation of the country, and in proximity to the sea or other extensive bodies of water, and in the prevalence of certain winds." Precipitation of moisture. The precipi- tation of moisture in the form of rain varies in amount and frequency in different regions of the globe; in a few the phenomenon is almost un- known, whilst in some others it occurs every day. Places near the sea, or large bodies of salt water have usually an atmosphere well charged with aqueous vapor, for which, other things being equal, warm air has a greater capacity than cold. This kind of maritime moisture is, however, less deleterious than that arising from large bodies of water inland, and a person who could by no means bear the latter will endure the former with impunity. The following table will give a correct idea of the relative frequency of rain in Maryland as compared with some other states east of the Mississippi. OF MARYLAND. 45 LOCALITY. No. of Rainy Days. Maine 93 New Hampshire j 76 Vermont ! 89 Mass. & Conn '' 98 Rhode Island | 96 New York ! 109 New Jersey I 118 Pennsylvania j 119 Delaware & Maryland 83 Virginia 85 N. &S. Carolina....' 89 Oeorgia 83 Florida 91 Alabama 98 Miss. & La 92 Kentucky Ohio. Michigan Indiana & 111 Wisconsin Minnesota Iowa 116 117 107 89 89 98 or 10 more than Maryland. or 7 less " or 6 more " or 15 " or 13 " or 26 " or 35 " or 36 " or 2 " or 6 " or 00 " or8 «' or 15 " or 9 or 6 " or 33 " or 34 " or 24 " or 6 or 6 " or 15 " An analysis of the above table shows that of the twenty states represented, but one had fewer rainy days, two had the same number, while in nineteen the number of rainy days was greater than in Maryland. The annexed table is a comparison of the annual rain-fall in the lower peninsula with several im- portant stations east of the Rocky Mountains : 46 EASTERN SHORE Peninsula of Maryland ) n4 _ M . , South of 39° N. Latitude J 34 ' 25 mches - Atlantic City, N. J 40.24 " Baltimore, Md 43.18 " Barnegat, N. J 50.20 " Cape May, N. J 46.70 " Aikin, S. C 47.00 " Charleston, S. C 60.91 " Jacksonville, FJa 55.74 " Newport, K. 1 59.98 " New Orleans. La 05.63 " New York City 43.73 " Norfolk. Va 51.43 " Portland, Me 39.33 " Sandy Hook. \. .1 52.05 " Wilmington, N. C* 57 28 " It will beseen from the above that the rain fall on the lower peninsula is less than that of any station mentioned. In connection with this sub- ject a prominent citizen of Salisbury, Wicomico, Co., who lias paid considerable attention to the meteorological conditions of the Eastern Shore writes : "Usually the months of February and March yield the greatest amount of rain. We are south of what is called the wat or fog belt, designated * Average of 4 year? from 1882 to 1886. OF MARYLAND. 4? by an imaginary line drawn across the peninsula from Bombay Hook on the east coast of Delaware to Love Point the northern extremity of Kent Island, in Chesapeake bay. North of this line, ranging indefinitely, and changing somewhat in different seasons, there is a wet belt sixty or eigh- ty miles wide, running nearly N. E. & S. W. South of this line we have but little fog, except on the rivers where the salt and fresh waters divide, and near the line of the sea coast. "In regard to the rain fall, we have no means of determining this matter accurately, but this may be regarded as an exceptionally dry climate. I have been in the cities of New York, Philadel- phia and Wilmington, for three or four days at a time, in the months of April and May, encounter- ing rain each day ; returning home I found the farmers at their plows, and on inquiry learned that there had been sunshine all the while it was raining in the localities above referred to, and such a circumstance is not unusual. The annual rain-fall, I have no data by which to determine accurately; but should not think it is more than three fourths the amount you have in Baltimore, and in some seasons not more than one half; yet 48 EASTERN SHORE we nearly always have enough, except occasionally in the month of August. We usually have rain once a week, sometimes in the Spring as often as three times in a week, but not generally. We seldom have fog, unless the wind blows for some time from a point north of east, which is not often the case. The air in clear weather will dry a wet towel exposed to it in less than an hour; matches seldom refuse to strike tire and burn when kept under shelter, whether the rooms are heated or not. Kid gloves do not spot from atmospheric moisture, and shoes treated with paste blacking do not mould." Average serial humidity. The average aerial humidity, which may be estimated at about 55, is received principally from the midday winds, which passing over the ocean or bay take up watery vapors. This explains the existence of two hygrometric phenomena which appear some- what astonishing, viz., that there is more humid- ity in the atmosphere during the summer than in the winter, and also more during the day than at night. The evaporation of the salt water is naturally in proportion to the intensity of the suns rays in the summer, and the uniformity of ©* MARYLAND. 49 t\tz sea breezes; the midday winds blowing unin- terruptedly at this season explains the increased immidity of tire atmosphere, notwithstanding the fact that rain may not fall for several weeks together. The north and north-west winds of winter produce the driest atmosphere, for in com- ing over the tops of the mountains of Western Maryland and Pennsylvania, they are deprived of a great deal of humidity before reaching the low lands. Electricity in the atmosphere. We are disposed to believe that the air of the peninsula is more than usually surcharged with electricity, for the following reasons: 1. From the continued evaporation of salt water on three sides. 2. From the rich and flourishing vegetation. 3. From the peculiarly exhilerating effect of respiring the air. 4. From the uniformly gay and cheerful dispo- sitions which characterise the inhabitants. 5. From the meteorological conditions which dispose to an overplus of electrical accumulation. 50 EASTERN" SHORE 6. From the effect of the air upon persons un- accustomed to breathing it.* Persons visiting the Eastern Shore who arc unaccustom- ed to breathing the air are likely to experience at first an excelerated circulation, palpitations, nuralgic pains (where there is excessive nervous irritability), insomnia, etc.; but by degrees — after 24 or 48 hours— they become, as it were, acclimated, and all purturbations and pains disappear. < >b- scrvations made in Kent County by Dr. A. P. Sharp show the prevalence of ozone in large quantities in the atmos- phere at all times. OF MARYLAND. 51 CHAPTER VII. CIRCUMSTANCES INFLUENCING THE TEMPERA- TURE OF THE EASTERN SHORE. External configuration of the Earth's surface. That the external configuration of the earth's surface, aside from its influence upon various other climatic phenomena,has an influence upon temperature is obvious for this reason, — that the angle at which the sun's rays strike the ground, and consequently the power of these ravs in heating it, varies with the exposure of the surface relating to the sun. When the sun is elevated on the meridian of 45° above the horizon, its rays fall perpendicularly on the surface of a hill facing the south, at an equal angle, while the plain below receives them at an angle of 45°. Now supposing the declivity to face north, (which is the opposite of the topographical outline of the peninsula) the rays of the sun would run parallel to its surface, and this effect would be very trifling; but if the declivity were still greater, the 52 UASTEK5T SHC7RE: whole surface would be in the shade. This though an extreme case, series to show why temperature varies with the inclination of the earth's- surface, and why a south, south- western* aspect, such as exists over most of the Eastern Shore counties, is much wanner in the winter than other localities, in the same latitude facing north, north-east. Temperature affected by soil, ft is evident also that the nature of the soil operates materially upon the temperature of a locality. One soil acquires heat, keeps its acquired heat much longer, and reflects it more readily than another. A soil which from its porous character allows the rains descending upon it to pass freely into the earth, will emit much less exhalation than one which retains the water near the surface. Thus clayey soils lower the temperature, and are likely to affect the atmosphere in a manner that will render it pernicious to health, while those which are light and sandy tend, during the winter season especially, to make the surrounding atmosphere warm, dry and salubrious. Effects of large bodies of salt-water. Experience has demonstrated that large bodies of OF MARYLAND. 53 salt water also tend, materially, to modify tem- perature, rendering it much more equitable, both in summer and winter. There can be no doubt that the waters of Chesapeake and Delaware Bays, as well as the ocean,exercise considerable influence on the temperature of the peninsula, in a general way, while the coast and geodetic surveys of the United States show at a glance, that " the heated waters of the Gulf Stream, pouring through the space between Cuba and Florida, flow in a north- easterly direction along the coast of Georgia and the Carolinas, diffusing themselves as they go, until, from a compact stream less than fifty miles wide, they have become, opposite Chesapeake Bay, a broad expanse of four hundred miles in width with numerous parallel, or slightly diverging currents of warm water, with overflow currents of a somewhat lower temperature." One of these currents approaches within fifty miles of the southern coast of Maryland, and then diverges until at Sandy Hook it is one hundred and ten miles distant from the coast. To the peculiar course of the Gulf Stream, and its near approach to the coast line of Maryland, may be attributed the camparative mildness of the winters of the 54 EASTERN SHORE peninsula, as compared with other localities in the same latitude. Duration of the seasons. The result of observation and inquiries made by the writer shows that the winters on the Eastern Shore last three months, from the beginning of December to the end of February; the spring three months, from the beginning of March until the end of May : the summer four months, from the begin- ning of June to the middle of September, the months of October and November being the au- tumn. Advice to invalids. Invalids who visit the Eastern Shore for the benefit of sea-baths, should pursue the treatment under medical advice. With proper arrangements the "cure" may be continued during the winter, as at the European health resorts, where bath houses are constructed containing all sorts of baths, includ- ing electric baths, which, however, are expensive humbugs. Baths of warm sea- water are the best, and these may be taken at any season of the year. In addition to its mild and temperate climate, the peninsula of Maryland is particularly suited OF MARYLAND. 55 for a health station, on account of its proximity to the great centres of population, and the facili- ties of approach by both water and rail. 56 EASTERN SHORE CHAPTER VIII. CLIMATIC ADVANTAGES OF THK EASTERN SHORE. Character of the seasons. The climate of the Eastern Shore of Maryland is in many respects well suited for a winter residence. A beautiful autumn generally ushers in winter. In September the locality generally enjoys summer weather; the October air is usually mild, and during this month there are also many bright and warm days. The mornings and evenings of November are for the most part cool and bracing, with a pleasant midday temperature. In Decem- ber the skies are gloomier, but there are still many bright days in which exercise in the open air can be taken. The real winter comes with the longer days of January, when snow and iee are not unusual ; but in this month also there is a period of clear, bright weather when the snow yields to the midday sun. Towards the middle of February there is generally a second period of cold; but from this month the temperature grad- ©B MARYLAND. 57 w ally and steadily rises, and winter begins to lose its special characteristics. The days lengthen, the temperature rises, the clouds are higher and lighter. The Spring is less equitable than the autumn. The lowering of the temperature in the winter •affects the succeeding season, and naturally leads to relapses of cold. The temperature of the spring months does not rise with the same unin- terrupted regularity as the autumn days grow cold. Sometimes the "second winter" occurs in March instead of February, and the thermometer falls to a point below freezing; but as each suc- cessive day sheds more light and warmth around, the varying temperature is less felt. Nature begins to arouse herself from the sleep of winter, the fields become redolent with vegetable life, the trees put forth their first tender buds, and soon the earth is all green and glorious. If in summer the broad stretches of water sur- face, which almost surrounds the peninsula of Maryland, prevent the heat from becoming exces- sive, in winter the uninterrupted insulation and the warm currents from the gulf stream are of great advantage. Cold and gloomy days some- 58 EASTERN SHORE times occur, lasting for several days, but a favor- able change in atmospheric conditions rapidly restores the disturbed balance. Compared -with European resorts. As at Nice and other winter resorts in the south of Europe, winds from various quarters sometimes sweep over the surface of the Eastern Shore with considerable vehemence; but they are always of short duration, and never so severe as the Mistral of southern France and Italy, already referred to, which sometimes lasts for three, seYen, or nine days, and beneath which organized beings of every class shrink in dismay. Indeed, excessively cold winds are rarely felt on the peninsula, since the westerly currents or cold winds from the Blue Ridge mountains are considerably modified by passing over the waters of Chesapeake Bay. Winds from the Gulf Stream. All the warm winds coming from the gulf stream, which, opposite this point, is about three hundred miles wide, find uninterrupted admission, and being intercepted by the southern slope of the land, they exert a permanent and enduring influence. Hence the moderate temperature in summer and the comparatively mild climate of winter. Gent- OF MARYLAND. 59 ly as the local winds usually blow, their influence on the neighborhood and on the low lands around cannot be over estimated, in as much as they serve to dry the soil, and constantly bring fresh supplies of pure fresh air from sea and mountains, and thus maintain the atmosphere in a pure condition, A highly favored locality. From the data above given, it is quite apparent, that, cli- matically regarded, the Eastern Shore of Mary- land is a highly favored locality. The prevalence of west and south currents, the moderate wind pressure, the warming of the air by currents from the gulf stream, the moderate fall of rain, all conduce to maintain a relatively mild, equitable and dry state of the atmosphere, the average warmth" of which is greater than that attained by some other resorts considerably south of 38° north latitude; indeed, the winter temperature ap- proaches very closely to that of some of the most popular health stations in Europe. A dry and tonic climate. The climate of the Eastern Shore belongs purely to the tonic class. Although subject to frequent rains in the spring, it would appear that not only does the 60 EASTEK3T SHORE ground soon dry after a rain-fall, but the atmos- phere itself, so to speak does the same; for it is well known that articles of steel, when exposed! during fine weather, do not readily rust; while on the other hand, a damp towel quickly dries. Resume. The following may be taken a? a resume of the climate. It is not subject to the evils which commonly attend the more humid climates. Rain seldom continues above two days it a time, and is usually followed in a few hours by warm sunshine; while the ground from the absorbing nature of the soil, dries rapidly. Tie atmosphere, generally speaking is also remarka- bly free from moisture, as indicated by the hy- grometer. In December snow frequently Falls, which is marked by sudden change of temperature, the weather becoming quite chilly. January and February are usually cold bur dry; ice and snow then occur, but the snow- does not lie long on the ground. Frequently during these mouths the sun is bright and warm ; and from twelve to three o'clock an invalid may generally take exercise. In spring, south-easterly winds, wiii .;li are soft and mild, accompanied with aom? rain, alternate with dry westerly OF MARYLAND. 61 wauls, also of a mild character. Hence it is that the vernal exurbation of inflammatory affections of the lungs, so commonly observed ill ouiei" cli- mates, is little felt by the residents of the Eastern Shore. Vegetation bursts forth the first week of April, which is a pleasant month. May resem- bles April but is wanner. h\ June the weather is warm and pleasant. July, August and Sep- tember are the hottest months, the thermometer sometimes rising above 90° Farh., in the shade ; with a powerful midday sun, preventing exercise from ten in the morning until six in the evening. October and November are the most delightful months in the year, characterised by calmness, moderate cold, bright sunshine of considerable power, a dry state of the atmosphere and of the soil, and rains,sometimes heavy but of short du- ration. 62 EASTERN" SHORE CHAPTEE IX. THE EASTERN SHORE AS A SANITARIUM. When to visit the locality and for what diseases. In order to escape the influences of severe climates the Eastern Shore of Maryland may be visited during the winter by those who are suffering from serious pulmonary diseases, as well as by those with delicate respiratory organs, provided the disease is not too far advanced and the tubercular process not too active. If the patient arrive early, and do not neglect to profit by autumn weather, the invigorating air of the midday hours of winter will be all the more read- ily borne, and its beneficial influence experienced. What revivifying effect upon the organism is wrought by the climate during the winter months is evidenced by the instructive instances of com- parative comfort enjoyed by asthmatic patients who visit this locality. It may be said of the Eastern Shore as of all other places where consumptive patients seek alleviation in winter, — the good effects of the OF MARYLAND. 63 climate only manifest themselves fully after a certain acclimatisation; hence autumn or the beginning of winter is the best time for immigra- tion. In the course of the usually fine prevailing days, any variations in the patients state, caused by change of diet or manner of life are easily tided over. For the permanent cure of chronic affec- tions of the respiratory organs, even when it is a question of " weak lungs " or threatened disease, the very nature of the ailment precludes the probability of health being reestablished in one winter. Expprience at all climatic resorts has shown the fallacy of such a hope; but after spending several winters or years here, improved health and prolonged life may be expected. More especially beneficial is the sedative winter air of the Eastern Shore upon all who suffer from nervous complaints, special and cerebral affections, and upon persons who without being positively ill are compelled by delicate constitutions to live in a moderately mild climate. For such persons frequent opportunities for walking and horseback exercise are all-important, and such advantages cannot be overestimated as part of the curative regeme. 64 EASTERN SHORE An admirable home for children. To fam- ilies with children, during the years of develop- ment, the Eastern Shore of Maryland offers a most desirable home. Transplanted from northern regions, — from a severe toa more moderate climate, • — they recuperate in maivelous fashion. The happy results of winter's genial influence is here felt immediately. They can walk or be taken out into the fresh air almost daily, which is by no means the case in their native homes. Parents and guardians, whilst seeking the well being of their charges, mav also experience the wholesome influence of a stay in this locality upon themselves, but they must not expect such amelioration as they will perceive in their chil- dren, especially if they come on account of chest diseases, which require for their relief more than a single season. The arrest of the disease, how- ever, is altogether probable unless the malady is too firmly rooted. The more recent the lesions the more certain the cure; but an improvement is not (.infrequently noticed even in old cases. In a majority of cases of pulmonary ph thesis the du- ration of the sojourn should be at least six or eight months; a shorter residence can effect but $5F MIRYLAN©. 85 little permanent good, tliough it may serve to arrest the disease temporarily. It is, moreover, useless to expect a favorable result unless the patient be free from fever and acute symptoms, :and there is sufficient pulmonary surface left to ■enable respiration to be moderately well per- formed. Dr. Gedding-s' observations on climate. An excellent authority, Dr. W, H. Geddings, ob- serves: — "The great aim and object cf climatic treatment, has always been the cure of consump- tion, and with every change of doctrine in regard to the nature and pathology of that disease, there has been a corresponding modification of opinion in regard to the kind of climate best adapted to its treatment. During the first decade of the present century, influenced by the theories of Broussais regarding the inflammatory nature of this disease, warmth was the only factor taken into consideration ; mild insular climates like that of Madeira were the only ones sought after. It, however, soon became apparent to many that these warm, enervating climates, instead of curing the disease, tended only in many cases to hasten the fatal termination ; and a violent reaction set 6$ EASTERN" SHORE in, which culminated in our own land a few years since in the selection of Minnesota as a winter Sanitarium for consumptives. A more thorough and correct knowledge of the pathology of con- sumption, and greater familiarity with the effects of different climates, show that both were to some extent right, and that the error lay in using cli- mate as a sort of * cure all ' nostrum, and in los- ing sight of the important fact, that climatic treatment to be successful must be made to meet indications in each individual case and stage of the disease." In chronic diseases of the chest, it is all impor- tant to remember that it is the great heat produc- ing organ that is involved, and that in measuring the amount of heat required in a given case, due allowance must be made for the deficiency, and no preconceived ideas concerning the asthenic nature of this disease should be permitted to seduce us into sending a poor exhausted invalid to freeze amid the snows of Colorado or Minnesota, or to swelter in a tropical climate. Relation between temperature and or- ganic tone. Those who have studied the sub- ject know how important it is to maintain a direct OF MARYLAND. *>7 relation between temperature and the organic tone or vital power of reaction of each patient. A knowledge of this fact will serve as a basis for choosing a suitable location for each patient. If the vital power of a patient be represented by 10, and the proper temperature for such a patient is also represented by 10, then the fol- lowing propositions may be stated: 1. If the vital power of the patient be dimin- ished by two degrees it will be 8 ; and the temper- ature must then be raised by 2°, as 8-r2=10. 2. If the vital power of reaction be increased to 12, the temperature must be lowered by 2°, as 12—2=10. Acting on the line of these propositions, the medical profession are now inclined to adopt as their motto, " Medio tutissimus ibis" and even those who were formerly prepossessed in favor of altitude as a factor in the treatment of consump- tion, now admit, that, as a rule, it is safer for consumptive patients to winter in a moderately cool, bracing climate, such as exists on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, rather than be exposed to the vicissitudes of an alpine winter or the enervating effects of a Southern Climate. 68 EASTERN SHORE Change in medical doctrines. Now that medical doctrines have changed, that vitalistio and sthenic views of treatment prevail and are- found to give infinitely more satisfactory results than those that followed a different course of treatment, the medical mind in America and Europe, begins to look about for a more tonic, bracing climate than Madeira, Jamaica, Xassan, Havana, Florida or South Corolina; and, from careful observations made during several consecu- tive years, coupled with statistics furnished by a large number of intelligent physicians and others, it is safe to assert that the Peninsula of Maryland furnishes one of the grandest atmospheres for persons suffering with pulmonary affections to be found in the world. Elevated positions not necessary for the cure of pulmonary consumption. Some writers deny that satisfactory results can be attained except in elevated districts, but it must be admitted that these opinions have no reasona- ble foundation, in the face of facts to the contrary. We cannot discredit those witnesses who testify that consumption is an exceedingly rare disease among the native residents of the Eastern Shore OF MARYLAND. 69 of Maryland, and that this locality, like the Kirgis Steppes of Asia, which is below the level of the sea, enjoys almost complete immunity from the disease.* Relation between soil-moisture and consumption. The relation between soil-moisture and consumption was first pointed out by Dr. Bowditch, of Boston, in 1868, and subsequently verified by Dr. Buchanon, of England, where investigations led to the general conclusion that the amount of consumption is in proportion to the dampness of the soil. The soil of the Eastern Shore as has already been stated is composed, for the most part, of sand and loam, which greatly facilitates the natural drainage, by allowing the surface water to rapidly percolate, so that even after a heavy down pour of rain the ground rapidly dries — a feature of no little importance, as it contributes to the dryness of the soil and * Hon. George W. Bishop, M. D. long- a leading- practitioner of one of the counties of the lower peninsula has recently assured the writer, that a case of consumption occurred some years ago* in the person of an old lady in the town in which he practiced medicine for many years, and so rare and unusual was the disease in that locality, that many persons actually visited the patient from mere curiosity to see what they had never before seen,— a case of consumption. 70 EASTERN SHORE the surrounding air, important disiderata in the alleviation of pulmonary diseases. The climate highly beneficial in other diseases. But it is not alone in developed cases of pulmonary consumption that the climate of the Eastern Shore will prove beneficial. Persons in whom there is a predisposition to the disease, will derive considerable advantage from passing the months of October, November, December, January, February, March April and May on the Peninsula, and a residence here will also prove especially beneficial in other affections, such as incomplete developement of the lungs and the thorax, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary retraction after pleurisy, spasmodic asthma, catarrhal phthisis, phthisis with considerable irritability of the nervous system, affections of the nervous system generally, advanced age, in a state of feebleness requiring exercise in the open air, gastric catarrh of the stomach, usually classed under the term " Dyspepsia ;" chronic goer, rheumatism, and paralysis without appoplectic attack; hypocondria and scrofula ; anaemia and other female affections characterised by poverty of the blood ; the improvement in such cases being OF MARYLAND. 71 due to the ability of the patient to take a large amount of exercise in the pure air of the country. Diseases resulting from over work, confinement, &c, would improve rapidly after a few weeks' residence here; and convalescents from pneumo- nia, typhoid fever, and other exhausting diseases, need just such a climate as is to be found in the higher lands of the Eastern Shore. In by fai- th e greater proportion of such cases, the indication is for a tonic, bracing climate, and not the enervating climate of the far south. Children convalescing from scarlet fever, measles, whooping cough, and others with scrofula and suppurating glands would improve here with great rapidity. Eastern Shore as an all-the-year-round place of residence. Many localities on the Eastern Shore of Maryland might be pointed out which offer attractions as a winter resort, or all- the-year-round home, preferable to either Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, California or Colorado, or to many of the famous winter resorts in the South of Europe, all of which lack the atmos- pheric tonicity of the former place with its almost entire immunity from consumption. Acting on persons in health the climate may be 72 EASTERN SHORE said to bring down the standard of tone, and has a tendency to modify the natural temperament, the sanguine making a move towards the phlegmatic, and the choleric towards the melan- choly. On the same principle, no doubt, it is that diseases of a mixed nervous and inflammatory character come to have their symptoms modified and frequently subdued by a residence in this locality. Neutral properties of the climate. It would seem that the climate of the peninsula derives a great deal of its value from its neutral properties ; from its being neither too hot nor too cold, and from its possessing neither the irritating qualities of a dry climate nor the depressing ones of an atmosphere surcharged with communicable damp and from its exemption from violent atmospheric agitation. The atmosphere when it does not rain, is dry, and the weather fine, and there are neither fogs nor cold piercing winds, of any consequence. After all, however, it is with climates as with other things, — trustworthy evidence as to wiiat they have accomplished is the most valuable; and in this connection we quote from a letter written 'OT MARYLAND. 73 by Dr. Davidson, a medical practitioner of exten- sive experience on the Peninsula, in which he says : " Consumption, either hereditary or acquired, is comparatively rare on this Peninsula among the native population ; and while many have come here from northern latitudes with this disease in various stages of development, we do not know of a case that was not promptly ameliorated by the change and in many cases the most remarkable cures have been effected in persons who were pronounced hopelessly ill. "The same may be said of bronchial affections, catarrh, asthma, and several forms of throat diseases. The effect of this climate upon asthma, especially, is most magical. There are numerous cases within our knowledge of those whose lives were wretched from this harassing malady in the North, and who were permanently relieved by a few weeks' residence on the Peninsula. Gout, rheumatism, acute or chronic, goitre, hay asthma, and a great number of other affections we might name, wliich prevailed to a greater or less extent in the northern section of the country, are exceedingly rare here, and some of them entirely 74 EASTERN SHORE: unknown. Intermittent, remittent and typhoid fevers, diarrhoea, dysentery, etc., which formerly constituted the class of diseases with which our physicians had to deal, have become so infrequent that they are regarded as of trifling importance."" In addition to the above, the following confir- mative opinion, from the Peninsula Gazette, of Oct., 1888, is subjoined for the satisfaction of the- reader : " In point of healthfulness, there is probably no section in the Union that surpasses this Peninsula, which has long been known as one' of the most desirable for residences in the Union y its geographical position and natural drainage- being important features in securing a degree of healthfulness seldom enjoyed by the mo&t favored localities,"' CtF IAKYL1N3). 75 CHAPTER X. COMPARATIVE ABSENCE OF MALARIA ON THE EASTERN SHORE. Exceptionally healthy. For a long time the Eastern Shore of Maryland has rested under i such knowledge as possible, in order to lay it before the reader, that he may judge for himself of the salubrity of the Eastern Shore. — In addi- tion to what has already been given in the preceding chapters, a considerable number of local health officers, physicians and correspon- dents show very conclusively that whatever m ay- have been the condition of this section of the State, as regards malarial and other diseases, in former years, it is now exceptionally healthy, — in fact more exempt from disease than any other district in the State of equal area and population, — and especially is this true in respect to malarial fevers and pulmonary consumption. Facts and figures. The facts and figures, which have been obtained in the form of statisti- cal reports, etc., show that malarial diseases have greatly diminished on the Peninsula in the past ten or fifteen years, and that, exclusive of small areas affected by local conditions, the pro- portion of uncomplicated malarial fevers to all OF MARYLAND. 77 other cases of disease is not more than two per cent. This great reduction in the number of cases has been secured through a better knowledge of how to avoid the causes of disease, gathered from the teachings of the State Board of Health, rather than from any system of medication ; and by still further application of well known sanitary laws the existence of intermittent and remittent fevers will, no doubt, be banished from the list of prevailing diseases on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Salt water-marshes not unhealthy. It has been demonstrated that many infectious diseases have their origin in putrefactive processes, while certain miasmatic diseases are both endemic and epidemic in places where organic matters are constantly undergoing changes, as is the case in districts abounding in fresh water marshes or ponds. Such marshes, and especially those over- flowed by rivers are always deleterious. Trees interrupt the rays of the sun and deprive the ground qf their benign influence. Forests give rise to extensive evaporation and radiation; but whilst their removal causes a higher mean tem- perature, it is followed by greater extremes of 78 EASTERN SHOEE heat and cold. In some climates trees are essen- tial, where they afford protection from the intense heat, and, by evaporation, provide the necessary amount of moisture in the atmosphere. It is not, therefore, always a safe proceeding to sweep away too much woods. A few trees near a dwelling- give it a cheerful appearance, and are by no means hurtful. They do not, as has been generally supposed, effect the constitution of the gaseous elements of the atmosphere ; but when too densely planted, they render it chill and damp, besides obstructing the salutary currents of air. All large bodies of water, as oceans, bays, lakes, rivers, or marshes, act upon the atmosphere in a manner varying according to their superficial extent and depth ; it is known that salt water absorbs and neutralizes miasmata. Marshes are always more dangerous during the night than during the day, that is to say, such as have the power of poisoning the air which floats over or about them. But alJ marshes have not this effect ; peat bogs, for instance, pre generally perfectly innocuous. Ve?iice, which is built in a marsh or lagoon, is held in high reputation as a resort for invalids suffering from malarial poisoning, and experience has shown that a residence on the OF MARYLAND. 79 Eastern Shore of Maryland is quite compatible with an entire removal of the disorder. In his ' Letters on Chemistry,' p. 230, Baron Liebig says : '• In no case may we so surely reckon on the occurrence of epidemic diseases as when a marshy surface has been dried up by continued heat, or when extensive inundations are followed by intense heat. Wherever there is matter of animal or vegetable origin in course of putrefaction or allied changes, danger to human health is also lurking in the water and floating in the surround- ing air. The mere rapid oxidation of organic matter is a comparatively innocuous process; and it is only when that normal process of change is substituted or accompanied by putrefaction that danger arises. The mere presence of organic matter in large volumes of water or in the soil does not necessarily indicate danger to the neigh- borhood, because suppose the soil be of a porous or sandy nature, and consequently exposed to free contact w r ith the air, the organic matter is rapidly oxidized. into innocent compounds." The public, obviously, are not yet fully inform- ed respecting the essential difference between the effect of fresh-water and salt-water marshes m producing disease. Dr. Angus Smith a distin- 80 EASTERN" SHORE guished English physician and sanitarian, says on this subject: " There seems to he a confusion in many minds between peat-bogs (salt water marshes) and the ordinary fresh water marshes ; but the difference is very great. No peat- bog gives out marsh fevers and agues. The acid peat prevents decomposi- tion, and so removes the result of putrefaction which some people suppose to be the origin of the evil in marshes." We may add to these still another great authority. Prof. Loomis of New York, in dis- cussing the subject of malaria, says : " Salt water marshes are as a rule especially free from malaria; but mix salt and fresh water, as on some of the New Jersey marshes, and you have the conditions for generating the poison malaria. Marshes that rest on a substratum of sand are not so malarial as those that rest on lime stone." It has been observed, as stated in the ' Statisti- cal Reports on the Health of the English Navy,' that in South America there are land-locked harbors where under a powerful sun " ships lie for months and years surrounded by a country <0F MAKYLANB. SI abounding in salt water marshes and rank vege- tation, and all the other circumstances which •elsewhere are considered the essential cause of the fevers which prove so destructive to life among Europeans, without the occurrence of a single case of fever; the crews, on the contrary, enjoying good health." It is also stated in the same reports, that living an the vicinity of marshy grounds, which was at one time believed to be fatal, is not now found to be unhealthy in Australia. The sanative condition of Venice, as compared with the Eastern Shore^ Anal- agous to the cases above cited is the sanative condition of Venice, Italy, which has already been referred to. It might rationally be inferred, from the marshy aspect which surrounds this city, that intermittent fever would be the prominent disease of the place, whereas, it is, in truth, the resort of invalids who have elsewhere imbibed the pernicious germs of this disorder. The city is constructed upon piles, in the midst of a vast shallow lake or lagoon, at a distance of two miles from the mainland, with which it holds intercourse *by means of a magnificent bridge. 82 EASTEEN SHOEE The lagoon in which the city is situated is formed of the alluvial deposits from the river, which decend to empty themselves into the head of the inland sea. This shallow lake is oval in form, and stretches in a direction N. E. to S. W., being separated from the Adriatic by a long strip of low-lying land, through intervals in which the salt waters of the Gulf of Venice are permitted to ebb and flow daily, a circumstance which no doubt accounts for its entire exemption from malaria. In many respects the Eastern Shore compares strikingly with Venice. It presents a considerable variety of healthy and beautiful sites, suited to the wants of a large proportion of valetudinarians; and is particularly well suited for cases of chronic malarial poisoning. It has been the experience of such patients coming from other places to the Eastern Shore, that they obtain relief with far less medication than in any other locality ; and it is a notable fact that children with malarial cachexia, who visit the Eastern Shore, recover without any medication at all. Malaria due to a bacillus. Klebs and Tommasi-Crudeli claim to have established OF MARYLAND. S3 malarial fever to be due to the action of bacillus malaria, as they name a micro-organism which they have detected in the soil and air of malarial districts. They found that malarial poison exists in quantity in the soil of malarious districts, even at a time when man is not affected with the disease, and that the poison may be detected at such times in the strata of air immediately above the soil. What is remarkable among the results ofKlebsand Tommasi-Oudeli is, that they flu d large quantities of water render the germs inactive. Their method of experiment consisted in subcutaneously injecting liquids obtained from the soil into animals, and noting the rise of tem- perature experienced. Dr. Sternberg, of the U. S. Army, failed to discover similar results, i. e., intermittent increase of body temperature, in rabbits innoculated with material derived from the soil of supposed malarious districts in America. It is probable that the first experimen- ters used the soil or air from fresh water swamps, and that the hitter's experiments were made from soil in the neighborhood of salt water marshes. Mill-dams as generators of Malaria. It has been shown by Prof. Arnot, that mill-dams. 8£ EASTERN SHORE: locks and other obstructions to the natural flow of water are the most fertile sources of malaria, that malarial diseases prevail much more abun- dantly in the vicinity of such obstructions than? elsewhere, that the building of a dam or a lock has always been followed at no distant date by an increase of such diseases, and, finally, that their removal has been followed shortly afterwards by a very great diminution, if not complete cessation,, of malarial troubles. The deleterious character of fresh water marshes and stagnant pools of water has long been recognized, but mill-ponds have not been looked upon as stagnant pools, and consequently, have not received the attention which their evil importance demands. A little reflection will show that mill-ponds are really worse than stagnant pools, whose only source of organic matter is that of their own production, while a mill-pond collects the refuse, animal and vegeta- ble, from a large area above, and which, if the stream had not been obstructed, would have been carried to sea. A majority of dams during the hot w r eather of summer permits only a small quantity of the water to filter through, and all OF MARYLAND. 85 the filth is retained. Mill-dams are nothing less than huge open cesspools which collect sewage and filth from a large area of country, and a majority of medical men will point to them as the source of the greatest number of their malarial cases. It is probable, that if no mill- dams had ever existed on the Peninsula there would have been but little miasmatic disease observed. The removal of many of these dams, and other obstructions to the natural flow of the streams, within the last twenty five years, has undoubtedly been the means of decreasing sick- ness, diminishing doctors' bills, and saving valuable lives. Such being the fact, it follows that failure to remove the remaining dams and give free outlet to rivers and streams, wherever obstructions exist, will be in the highest degree criminal, morally if not legally. Has the time not arrived when the health of the people should be the chief consideration of our law makers, and the prevention of disease wiser and more honora- ble than its cure? 86 EASTERN SHORE CHAPTER XL FOOD, EXERCISE AND CLOTHING. Change of climate necessitates change of food, &c. Change of climate invariably necessitates change of food and clothing. In gen- eral terms it may be stated that the modification in diet should be in favor of a bland, non-stimu- lating class of food as we approach the equator, whilst a stronger diet, consisting in high latitudes almost entirely of animal food, will be requisite in proportion as we recede from it towards the poles For the sake of health, medicines are taken by weight and measure, and so ought food to be, as is the case in the army and navy; but in private life, and especially among invalids, whose appe- tites are generally very capricious, such biological exactness has never been attained. Indeed, for OF MARYLAND. 87 invalids, whose digestive powers are never two days the same, it would be absurd to attempt to fix, in advance, a standard weight or measure of food. All that can be demanded of them is a rational observance of certain general principles touching the quality, the quantity, and the time of taking food ; so that they may be guarded against the dangers arising either from too severe abstinence from, or an over free indulgence in, such articles of diet as contribute to their physi- cal well being when taken in moderation. Nature has mapped out in unmistakable characters the broad principles upon which the philosophy of dietetics must be based. She has placed a certain kind of food by the side of a certain class of the earth's inhabitants, and has fitted them with an appetite to appreciate it. Varied dietetics and excellent cuisine. The Eastern Shore of Maryland is justly renowned for its varied dietetics and excellent cuisine ; there is no other locality in the world so abundantly supplied with fine and refining food. The every day diet of the people of this section, — fish, oysters, crabs, wild ducks, partridges, &c, — is " food fit for the god's," Savarin has said, " Tell 88 EASTERN SHORE me what you eat and I will tell you what yon are," and in this assertion, frivolous though it may appear, there is a great deal of meaning. Alimentation and natural characteris- tics. Natural characteristics are not only due to climate, education and habits, hut also to the system of alimentation. If the Swede, the Russian, the Laplander, and indeed all northern nations, take substantial nourishment, in great abundance ; if they make use of coarse food, heavy wines and alcohol in great quantities, it is because their cold climate and foggy atmosphere exact this manner of living. But this diet affects, at the same time, the moral characteristics ; it produces dullness of character, inactivity of the mind, and a phlegmatic, cold disposition. If the French are in general nervous, irritable, active, energetic, and particularly vivacious, it is no doubt caused, in a great measure, by their light, stimulating and varied diet, which is suited to their bright, warm climate. If the Italians, though endowed with great natural intelligence, are wanting in perseverance and energy of character, it is to be attributed not alone to their enervating climate, but also to their alimentation, which is X)F MARYLAND. b\) too exclusively vegetable, as may be inferred from the following comparative table of the average consumption of meat, per person, per annum in France and Italy: France. Italy. Beef 13.50 lbs. 8.44 lbs. Veal 4.34 " 5.70 " Mutton 4.80 " 1.30 " Lamb 0.38 " 0.34 « . Pork 17.32 " 4.20 " Goat 0.26 " 0.54 " "4060 tbs7 20.52 lbs. It will be seen from the above table that the French consume, per individual, more than double the quantity of the substantial viands consumed by the Italians, and it may be assumed that the latter consume a proportionably greater quantity of vegetable food. Fine food makes a gentleman. If the residents of the Eastern Shore of Maryland are gay and happy, generous and hospitable ; if they are distinguished above other people for their Amor patriae and their domestic felicity; and if, so far as the superficies is concerned, *' Society is smoothed to that excess That manners differ more than dress," 90 EASTERN SHORE it is not to be attributed altogether to the circum- stance of the people of that section being descended from cavaliers, but, in part, to the climate in which they reside, and to the fact that they eschew to a great extent the coarser articles of diet, and feed almost exclusively on fish, shell fish, terrapins, game, poultry, vegetables and succulent fruits, notwithstanding the country is abundantly supplied with the best of viands, which are only used to the extent of maintaining the highest standard of good health. To para- phrase an often quoted aphorism, — " Fine Food makes the gentleman, the want of it the fellow ; all the rest are leather and prunella." Some rules in dietetics. Most men eat too much, and as a result suffer more or less from indigestion,which affects their general health and indisposes them to physical or intellectual efforts. We also eat our food too warm ; it would be a wise rule to abstain, at least, from warm bread and hot drinks. Eespiration and digestion are quite sufficient for the creation and conservation of animal heat and there is no necessity to add to them hot and stimulating alimentation such as hot bouillon, coffee, tea, chocolate, and an X)? MARYLAND. 91 interminable number of other drinks, one hotter and atronger than another. Nothing could be more weakening to the stomach than this abuse ; it tends to soften the mucous membrane of that organ, and impair its important functions ; it is the principal source of gastric catarrh (dyspepsia) and of habitual constipation, so common in America. The above advice cannot be urged too strongly; nor can the dyspeptic patient have too forcibly impressed upon his mind, that temperance and abstemiousness in all things are the best physic. " The belief," says Sir James Clark, "so generally entertained that medicine can counteract the effects of habitual errors in regimen, should be regarded as a mere delusion. There is but one road to a permanent cure in these cases, and he who shall steadily pursue it long enough to feel its advantages, in the restoration of mental and bodily energy, will not easily be induced to deviate from it again." A majority of ladies have nervous and irritable constitutions, which are caused principally by a bad system of hygiene and education, in conse- quence of which the production of organic heat 92 EASTERN" SHORE is with them abnormal or excessive. The tem- perature is elevated, especially over the track of the vertebral column, and this great nerve centre being continually subjected to the influence of heat and congestion, acquires an abnormal sensibility, which terminates in spinal irritation, manifested by pain between the shoulders and in the dorsal region; by habitually cold feet and hands; by feebleness of the limbs, general fatigue, &c. In such cases, in addition to climatic influences, the patient should partake moderately of animal diet, preferably beef and mutton, and generous portions of good wine. Opportunities for exercise. Exercise in the open air is one of the greatest advantages which a winter residence on the Eastern Shore of Maryland affords ; and the consumptive or dyspeptic invalid should take full advantage of it. Walking and riding on horseback are the best kinds of exercise, but neither should be carried so far as to produce over fatigue. When the irritation of the stomach is complicated with that of the bronchial mucous membrane, or tubercular deposits in the lungs, riding should OF MARYLAND. 93 be chiefly relied on for exercise. Exercising the arms every morning is very useful ; for this pur- pose the Indian clubs are preferable to dumb- bells. Friction of the whole surface of the body, night and morning, is a valuable remedy, and the best substitute for exercise. For those whose occupa- tion compels them to a sedentary life, in our damp and cold climate, there are few remedies more useful, though none more neglected, than friction. The diligent use of the flesh brush, and sponging the surface with cold or tepid water throughout the year, or the shower-bath daily during the summer, and the occasional use of the warm bath at all seasons, form a powerful combination of means for maintaining the health of persons constrained by circumstances to forego exercise in the open air ; and the same measures are also singularly efficacious in restoring the deminished energy of the skin and digestive organs. For want of exercise nothing can fully compensate; but active friction over the whole surface -night and morning will in some degree supply its place, and will always prove beneficial 04 EASTERN SHORE to the class of invalids for whom we are now writing.* Valuable as exercise is in point of health, it should always stop short of actual fatigue ; it should not only be well timed and of an agreeable character, but also moderate in quantity. It is one of those good things of which a delicate per- son may take too much ; and therefore the valetudinarian will do well to guide himself in this matter rather by rule than by the measure of his inclination. The proper time for exercise varies with cir- cumstances. Persons who are not in robust health should not, as a rule, take exercise before breakfast ; a mistaken zeal on this point frequent- ly subjects children of delicate constitutions to unnecessary cruelty. Strong people and sturdy children may be able to bear it; but a delicate person, whose system is for a time, or habitually, below par, will find it advantageous to begin their days work with a comfortable breakfast. Clothing. In regard to clothing, we may * For the most judicous instructions on this subject the reader is referred to Sir James Clarke's ' Disordei's of the Digestive Organs,' and Dr. Combe's work on the l Principles of Physiology applied to the Preservation of Health.' OF MARYLAND. 95 learn a valuable lesson from the habits of many of the lower animals. If we regard them with attention, we shall observe that what in man is the result of his reasoning faculties, upon the basis of experience, is in them simply the work of nature, by whose munificence they are provided with food and clothing at the least possible expense of labor and fatigue. When man does not interfere, provident nature renews this cloth- ing to the necessities of the seasons. She divests them of their winter coating when summer is sufficiently advanced, and reinvests them with a warmer covering at the approach of cold. Man, to the best of his ability, does the same thing ; but often very inadequately. Either through ignorance or carelessness, he not unfrequently fails to follow a salutary method, and thus exposes himself to a train of disorders which are constant- ly lurking about him and endeavoring to find an open door of admission into his beleaguered system. The form and quantity of clothes should vary, like other elements of hygiene, with age, sex, strength, temperament, occupation. &c. Their object is to keep the body uniformly warm : to 96 EASTERN SHORE preserve it from the direct application of heat; to keep it sufficiently moist by preventing a too rapid evaporation from the surface ; and likewise to protect it from too much dampness. In some particular forms of disease, too, garments made of peculiar materials are employed with a view of modifying the action of electricity. Invalids going to any health resort whether in summer or winter, should be well provided with an abundance of warm clothing, as there are at all seasons considerable fluctuations in tempera- ture. Those who remain during the warm weather should avoid the sun's rays, by remaining in doors during the middle of the day, or by carrying an umbrella, unless they can find shady walks. They must also avoid being out after sunset, as after that time there arises, generally, an exhalation from the earth. In clothing the body special care should be taken of the lower limbs. The legs and feet are often neglected. Warm woolen stockings and drawers, and especially water-tight boots with stout soles, are desirable. Water-tight cloaks or coats, unless freely ventilated, are very injurious, particularly when worn during active exercise ; OF MARYLAND. 97 they keep in the perspiration, and when removed expose the body to all the dangers of a rapid and universal evaporation. Wet garments should be changed as soon as possible; and invalids who perspire readily and profusely should replace their undergarments with dry ones as often as they become damp. Night-dresses should be of light material ; but they who wear much flannel or other woolen fabric during the day should not altogether divest themselves of it at night ; a change of garments, however, should always be made. 38 EASTERN SHORE CHAPTER XII. SEA-BATHING ON THE PENINSULA, The bath preventive and curative. Sea- bathing is employed both in preventive and cura- tive medicine. In the former it cleanses the skin? and renews its elasticity and contractility, thereby- imparting additional vigor and activity to the organism, and lessening the tendency to take cole! during exposure to vicissitudes of temperature. In the latter it operates much in the same way, adding firmness and tone to the textures, and so increasing the functional activity of the vascular, nervous, and secretory systems. In all cases showing impaired functional powers, without any manifestation of inflammatory symptoms; in short in those cases in which the exhibition of alteratives and tonics is indicated, sea-bathing OF MARYLAND. 90 may, with proper precautions, be resorted to. It 'Is contra indicated in persons of plethoiic habit of body ; in cerebral congestion ; in organic disease of the heart, i.i aneurism, and, indeed, in such cases as have not the ability to encounter the severe shock ; and, morever, at certain periods in which the female constitution is not prepared for the application of powerful remedies. Facilities for bathing. Among the many sanitary advantages which the Eastern Shore of Maryland possesses, sea-bathing occupies an important place. In speaking of the physicaj aspects of the country, we have shown that, being sheltered on the north by high hills and flanked on the east and west by large areas of salt water, it enjoys a moderate temperature during both tie summer and winter seasons. The south and south-east coast, bordering on the Atlantic ocean, is admirably adapted in every respect for bathing stations. The bay-coast on the west side of the peninsula also offers peculiar advantages in this respect, as it has a tide not exceeding thirty six inches, and the water is generally very calm in the summer months, a circumstance which makes the bathing on this 100 EASTERN SHORE coast peculiarly well suited to invalids and chil- dren. At most sea-bathing stations, there are days when the wind blows strongly from the east or south-east rendering the bathing dangerous if not impossible for this class, who are thrown with violence against the shore by the force of the waves. Bay-shore bathing-. The sandy formation of the bay shore is soft to the feet, and sandals, which interfere with the salutary exercise of swimming, are here unnecessary accessories to the bathing costume. Another advantage of the bay- shore is the gradual inclination of the banks which exacts no special precaution in entering the water. Altogether, there is no sea-bathing place in America that an invalid could choose preferable to the bay coast of the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He who can be content to dwell where nature has planted all the resources of a great sanita- rium, to which art has thus far added but little, will on the Eastern Shore find a mild but not re- laxing climate, capable of affording a certain im- munity from such meteorological vicissitudes as are hurtful to persons of delicate constitutions, OF MARYLAND. 101 and especially to those who suffer from pulmona- ry complaints, as well as to others in whom the germs of consumption threaten a justly dreaded manifestation. All along the coast the sandy nature of the soil prevents an accumulation of water on the surface, and on this account, almost any locality that may be selected, offers marked facilities for out door exercise, even immediately after the hardest downpour of rain. At Oxford, in Talbot County where there is already ample accommodation for visitors, sea-bathing is prac- ticed with much ease and comfort, and the vicinity offers agreeable promenades and drives. At many places on the bay-coast it would be quite practicable to build large bathing establish- ments far out into the water, which would be especially attractive to ladies and delicate persons. While the waters of the Chesapeake Bay are not quite as rich in saline matters as those of the Atlantic ocean, the hydro-saline atmosphere increases materially the activity of both the respiration and the circulation which is a great desideratum to invalids suffering with pulmonary troubles. The proportion of saline matter, in the waters of the bay is almost as great, however, as 102 EASTERN SHORE in the waters of the North sea, so noted for its delightful bathing establishments, notably those of Ostend on the Belgium Coast, and Scevengen on the coast of Holland. The absence of very high tides in Chesapeake Bay permits bathing at all hours; and the pro- longation of the season beyond that of more northern stations, extends the time for bathing, which may begin in May and extend to the mid- dle of October. The temperature of the Bay water, which rises and falls in a measure with that of the surrounding air, is generally higher in the Spring, Summer and Autumn than that of the Ocean, and consequently better suited for feeble and senemic persons, who can remain longer in the bath, and will react more readily the warmer the water is, up to a certain point. But prolonged sea-baths should never be indulged in by invalids. From two to eight minutes for a bath is sufficient in a majority of cases. Prolonged baths injurious. It may be stated as axiomatic that prolonged sea baths, which many are induced to indulge in on account of the pleasant temperature of the air and water, are almost always injurious; they deprive the OF MARYLAND. 103 body of too much of its organic heat, diminish reaction, and cause congestion of the internal organs, while a simple immersion, or a plunge of a few minutes strengthens the nerves by its shock, increases the activity of the circulation, especially the capillary circulation of the skin, which tends to diminish congestion of the internal organs. Considering all the advantages which the Chesapeake Bay presents over the rougher baths of the ocean, we can understand why they are particularly adapted to persons of feeble consti- tutions; to a3iiemic patients or delicate, nervous ladies, and to lymphatic, scrofulous children. Caution necessary. As salt water or surf bathing occasions great exposure of the body, it is proper to employ as much caution as possible during the process as well as subsequently. In- valids ought not to bathe in the open air before breakfast; nor soon after a meal. About eleven o'clock in the forenoon is a convenient time, especially if the tide be nearly at its height. A hard, sandy, sloping beach, with the tide at two thirds of flood, is the best place and time for bathing. It is not good to enter the water when the body is cold; any chilly feeling should first 104 EASTERN SHORE be dissipated by a short walk, which, however, should not be carried to a point of inducing either fatigue or profuse perspiration. The entire body should be immersed in the water as quickly as possible, and the bather ought to move about briskly, either by swimming or otherwise, until he leaves it. Three, four, or at most five minutes is quite long enough for the beneficial effects of the bath, and in the case of invalids any delay beyond that time will be injurious.. Brisk rub- bing witli rough towels is the next process, and subsequently reaction should be maintained by quickly covering the body with clothing of suita- ble texture, and by gentle exercise. Warm salt water. Persons who cannot bear cold sea-baths, will find baths of warm salt or bay water very beneficial ; but these call for the erection of bathing establishments, with separate cabinets or enclosed swimming pools in which the water is raised to any desired tempera- ture by steam. When the Peninsula, with its mild climate and clear sky, has such establish- ments provided with suitable hotel accommoda- tions, it may aspire to the first rank among bathing stations, and the shores of its beautiful OF MARYLAND. 105 bay will be the rendezvous of many thousand visitors, at all seasons of the year. The water of the Chesapeake Bay. The water of the Chesapeake Bay, like sea water, is richly charged with a diversity of saline ingredi- ents such as the chloride sodium, the sulphates of magnesium and calcium, the carbonate of calcium and carbonic acid. It may be taken internally, when its effects vary according to the quantity imbibed. In doses of half a tumbler, occasionally repeated, it is alterative and tonic; in larger doses it is purgative, and maybe employed as a deobstruent in congestion of the abdominal viscera. When employed in bathing and drink- ing conjointly it is not without importance in scrofulous affections, in engorgement of the abdominal viscera, in mucous catarrh of the respiratory organs, in chronic bronchitis, in dyspepsia, in nervous affections, and in some of the diseases incident to women. Some happy therapeutic results, recently obtained from the use of sea-water, (of which the water of Chesa- peake Bay is its congener) in tubercular disease of the lungs, should encourage physicians to try it more frequently in such cases. 106 EASTERN SHORE The season for bathing-. The best season of the year for salt water-bathing is that extend- ing from June to October. It should not be practiced more than two or three times a week at first, and never more frequently than once a day. The same caution should be pursued after an intermission of the baths, and at the end of the course it is better to decrease their frequency gradually than to put a stop to them suddenly. Recapitulation. In conclusion, it may not be amiss to recapitulate briefly some of the advantages which the Eastern Shore of Maryland possesses as a climatic and sanative resort. These consist (1) in a temperature pleasantly warm for eight months in the year; (2) in an air moderately dry, rich in oxygen, of excessive purity and constantly in motion ;* (3) in a large number of clear sunny days, and comparatively few days of rain and fog; (4) in a rich and luxurient vegeta- tion, flourishing as in a subtropical climate ; (5) in the possibility of almost daily promenades * kk A long- sojourn in a very equal climate is not favorable to health, even when one enjoys the advantage of taking exercise in the open air; variations of temperature, and motion or free circulation of the air, are conditions neces- sary for the maintainance of health."— Dr. Copeland. KD »8 OF MARYLAND. 107 and drives in the open air ; (6) in the refined social advantages of the country ; (7) in its unrivalled dietetics and cuisine; and, finally, in its proximity to the great centres of popula- tion. *S *r \ c . ^v "S\ b o > iA .o v "&V ^ *V ' DQBBS BROS. UB»A*Y BINDING APR 81 ST. 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