disease; and as these attacks are both sudden and acute, cutting off without discrimination both the strong and the weak, it is well to take care that no conduct on our part shall increase this liability. There are some who deny, that the European constitution is at all more obnoxious to disease in a foreign climate than in its native situation. They say, "let us go where we will, and let us live how we will, it is all the same, we will not die till our time comes;" and, as a proof of it, they adduce the example of those few who have so travelled and lived, and have shewn all the marks of health at the end of a long pilgrimage. But this is mere foolishness; the proof adduced is an exceedingly bad one, for it is the few out of the multitude. We have seen quite enough to convince us, that a little care will sometimes save, when the opposite plan, a little imprudence, will destroy. But there are some reckless of their constitutions, and every thing else, in all situations, both at home and abroad. I feel just as much assured, that the European transplanted to an Indian climate,

becomes peculiarly liable to disease, as I feel assured, that this earth is a planet revolving round the sun; and it is this assurance which makes me press attention to the matter SO earnestly. Far be it from me to infuse unnecessary fear into the bosom of the stranger landing in a foreign country. He needs, at such a time, I know well, all the support that can be given him on many accounts; and I would not have the thought of the danger he is exposed to from disease press on his spirits for a moment. I would have him firm as a rock upon that head but I would have him also just keep in mind that such a tendency to disease does exist, that he is now not just so sure of health as he may formerly have been; that he must not now indulge just so much as he may formerly have done, even with impunity; and he will be none the worse for keeping all this in mind.

And I am glad to say, that by the majority of Europeans in India, the right view of the subject is taken, and the proper plan followed. Their manner of living is exceedingly regular;

and I may well say, if the new-comer is guilty of any impropriety, he has himself alone to blame for it, for he will not be urged to it by those he is associated with. There are, it is true, a few to be met with, who will carouse, and debauch, and sit late, even in India. They are, however, but few, and the wise avoid them. In all good society, though the table be, indeed, richly covered, few of its delicacies are indulged in. Even the seasoned European, he that has by residence become in some degree naturalized to the climate, will not exceed; and the new-comer will but seldom be urged to go even so far as him. At an early hour the table is left, and at an early hour they retire to rest. In the morning again they are timely up, taking the exercise which is, as it were, to invigorate them for the day; and just by this regular system of living multitudes enjoy a perfect and long-continued state of health. The only fault I would find is, that the table is covered rather richly. There is rather too great a profusion, rather too many delicacies, many more than is required; and the

stranger may thus be induced to exceed unwarily. I must own also, that he is occasionally pressed a little too much to the profusion. Fashion, no doubt, requires the superabundance; it is just what she expects and must have. But it is a pity fashion is just so much observed; her dictates are in some points extremely injurious; and it would be well if sometimes she was more firmly stood against. It would surely be better, if less to entice and goad on the appetite was placed before us; and at all events, there should be no urging to more than we feel satisfied with. But the prudent will always withstand both inclination and invitation to indulge in more than enough.

I need not be entering too minutely into directions for the regulation of the diet; for common sense, I think, is quite enough to teach this; and when I generally recommend moderation, or indeed a little abstemiousness rather, especially at first, I think I give almost all the lessons which the prudent require. I may just, however, give a short view of the Indian customs

in that respect. The breakfast is almost invariably at eight; and it is in general a good meal. The early rising there gives a good appetite in the morning; and he that is in good health, he that has not been living improperly the night before, is always well prepared for the morning repast. With the addition of rice, which is always a principal article of Indian food, the breakfast is just the European one,tea, coffee, &c., the articles are both wholesome and substantial, and well enough suited to the European constitution. At one or two o'clock, with the greater number, there is what they term a tiffin, which answers to our mid-day light meal, or lunch; it is generally just something light, a little curried rice, or some bread and fruit, &c., with a glass or two of wine. Then at seven in the evening comes the dinner, which, excepting perhaps a little more superfluity in it, is much the same as an English dinner; and this is the last meal. Suppers may occasionally be given; but generally speaking, we may say the dinner is the supper; for by the time it is