drying, or super-drying, of the sea air. An illus¬ tration to explain this peculiar action upon air may be found in the expansive forces of steam and superheated steam: the change caused by the re-drying of the air, on the sub-peninsula, corresponding to the augmented force of the superheated steam. On account of this, and also for other causes, the air and of a smaller peninsula, attached to a larger one or jutting off from it, often differs from that of its parent very materially; this difference corre¬ sponding, in a great measure, to the extent of the water surface separating it from the main land, and also to the quality and area of the land form¬ ing the lesser peninsula. Such a fact as this is important, and has not heretofore been observed or utilized to the extent it deserves. This is one of the reasons why, in peninsular study, two or more places in the same latitude may be found having quite different . With these definitions and facts before us, we can now compare the climate of with those of Italy, Spain with Portugal, and other PENINSULAR AND SUB-PENINSULAR AIR AND places upon the Mediterranean Sea. CLIMATES. We have all heard of Pau, Pisa, Mentone, Mon¬ BY W. C. VAN BIBBER, M.D., aco, Cannes, and other European resorts; and be familiar with what has been said con¬ OF BALTIMORE, MD. may the banks of the Nile, or Mexico, and Peninsulas have been cerning always sought by mankind Southern and Lower California, but none of these, as favorite and have been visited residences, it may be said without fear of can in winter those in inland contradiction, by living cold, countries, compare with Florida as a peninsular climate, or as resorts for health. the Excluding peninsulas as a land having peculiar attractions as a winter of the Indian Ocean and those of the far north, residence. Î it with truth be the ndeed, may said, six great peninsulas of the earth are, Greece, that Florida now stands with confessedly preeminent Italy, Spain Portugal, Florida, Central in this respect, before all other lands or penin¬ America, and Lower California. There are sulas. It has a different latitude from most of well known smaller on the many peninsulas them, a different and a different in France and which have topography, Mediterranean, Italy, slope to the winter sun. The Apennine Moun¬ climates peculiar to themselves. tains, with their summits, snow-capped in winter, The distinction to be observed between the extend through the centre of Italy, and cool the words \p=``\air\p=''\and \p=``\climate\p=''\ is this: When speaking air between the Adriatic and Mediter¬ of blowing air, only the qualities of the atmosphere are ranean seas. to the face of the \p=``\climate\p=''\ Contrary this, considered. The word embraces an assemblage land in Florida is almost a of of which the level, having only many facts, atmosphere gentle rise, between ocean and gulf. There is is one of the factors. From its only Greek derivation, no obstruction to the pressure of the winds in climate the of the literally means, slope summer or winter, and no sudden of the earth from the toward the It chilling equator pole. has air in winter by mountain heights or snows. been defined as the condition of a place, in relation A further study of the topography of the state to the various phenomena of the atmosphere, shows that the St. John's River, which in reality is as temperature, moisture, etc., especially as these a succession of lakes, divides the northern and affect animal or man. life, Mr. Hume says: "I middle part of it into two imperfect sub-peninsu¬ mean those qualities of the air and climate which las. The settlements and improvements already are to work on the tone and supposed insensibly made on either bank of this river are now highly habit of the body." Evidently he drew a proper esteemed for their but the most desirable distinction climates, between the meaning of the two and the one destined to become the most words. region, celebrated for its winter climate, will be found on The climate of a derives one of its peninsula a large sub-peninsula on its southwestern or gulf peculiarities from the fact that the heat of the coast. land dries the air as it comes from the sea. The Before alluding to this more particularly, how¬ of a is re- peculiarity sub-peninsular climate the ever, a brief description of this truly wonder¬ 1 as Gross' System of Surgery, 6th Edition, 1882, vol 1., p. 481. land, a whole, may be interesting. As to ex¬ 2 Complimentary Dinner given to Prof. S. D. Gross by his medical tent of surface, and offering attractions friends, etc. 1879. affording of kinds on land and water, Florida is the 3 Read before the American Medical Association, Thirty-sixth annual many Meeting, April, 1885. largest of the , east of the Missis-

Downloaded From: http://jama.jamanetwork.com/ by a Florida International University Medical Library User on 05/28/2015 sippi River. It has, in round numbers, about titudes of the Northwest, and also of Southern 35,000,000 of acres, and, including keys, lakes, and Lower California and Florida. Two propo¬ rivers, and land-bound waters, it covers an area sitions are, thus far, satisfactory and encouraging of nearly 60,000 square miles. It is 400 miles to me: First, that change of air sometimes per¬ from north to south, an average of nearly 100 manently arrests the disease in question, in its miles from ocean to gulf, and its northern boun¬ first stage; and secondly, that a temperature be¬ dary line of 375 miles gives it a long arm extend¬ tween 70 degrees and 80 degrees F., where the ing to the west. Beyond this, its own western invalid can be most of the time comfortable in arm, in the states of Alabama and , the open air, is a valuable agent, provided it is there is a beautiful coast line on the Gulf of good natural air which is obtained. Personally, Mexico which should be considered when speak¬ if I had consumption, cancer, Bright's disease, ing of Florida as a part of its own climate. chronic impoverishment of the blood, some of the Here the surf is warm, and already at Mobile, heart or skin troubles, or any ailment which pre¬ Pas Christian, Pascagoula, Biloxi, and other vented me from buffeting my way, in the open places, extending as far as New Orleans, excel¬ air, against a gale of wind in a cold country, I lent accommodations for strangers and establish¬ would go, if possible, to a land that inclined to ments for the relief of disease have been estab¬ the winter sun by sloping well to the south, free lished. from mountain snows, and had an even winter It is not surprising that with these advantages, temperature, varying for the most part between during the last twenty years, Florida has been 70 and 80 degrees F.; and where can such a land visited by a vast number of persons, who have be more easily reached than the favored penin¬ either settled upon its soil, or continue to resort sula of Florida? to it annually. Within this period, the entire But in order to judge clearly between the two face of the country has been changed, as it were as winter residences for invalids, the advantages by magic. From a wilderness of flowers, parts of southern peninsulas should be contrasted with of it may now be called a cultivated garden. Its the rigors of northern inland climates. Let us legislatures have fostered the building of rail¬ contrast what has already been, and what will be roads; have invited capital from abroad; and hereafter said about the winter climate of south¬ have so managed the affairs of the state that it ern peninsulas with this picture taken from the can now be traversed in every direction with ease Fortnightly Review—Article: "The Upper En- and pleasure. More than a hundred large hotels, gadine in Winter." St. Moritz and Davos are and double this number of smaller ones, have places recommended for a winter climate. Imag¬ been erected in well selected locations, and each ine the following scene for a consumptive, for one of them has some particular attraction. It whom it is recommended. " St. Moritz," says the is estimated that during the present winter it writer, " is reached by six great Alpine routes. has been visited more . by than eighty thousand . . English people use the Julier and Maloja, strangers. since the others are either higher or more exposed often recommend Physicians many of those to avalanches. . The shortest time is made by who seek their advice to spend their winters in the Julier, but this. . involves a twelve-hours drive mild peninsular climates, simply for the pleasure in an open sledge. As a rule, only the first and of the life. But the diseased conditions which last sledges have drivers. Along the narrow they think are manifestly benefited by a resort track formed in the snow, the procession walks to them, may be divided into the non-progressive or trots, according to the degree of the slope. and the progressive diseases. By those which The horses are accustomed to their work and fol¬ are non-progressive, I mean diseased conditions low their leader without the use of the reins. But if which are produced by overwork, luxury, and they chance to be fresh to their duties and leave overexcitement, and by the contaminated air of the track, they will flounder more than knee-deep cities. The progressive diseases are of a different in the powdery snow, on which the occupants of character and are the great outlets of human life. the sledge will usually find themselves deposited Foremost among them is consumption. It is without violence or hurt. ... As we go on, the this disease which has filled both peninsular and sun, shining through the thin air, begins to burn high-altitude hotels beyond all others, and will fiercely, and we are glad to discard, one by one, continue to do so. "Why do you persist in many coverings which were necessary earlier in sending your patients, in the third stage of con¬ the day. This peeling process may continue until sumption, to Florida?" the physicians of that we feel surprised at the lightness of the covering state ask of their northern brethren. They re¬ but these wraps will have to " required; rejected ply: We do not always send them; they will go." be donned again as evening advances. In fact, there is an intuitive and common-sense " When lowering clouds discharge their burden desire among consumptives and their friends of snow which, flung about in huge wreaths by a to escape from the winter storms of rigorous cli¬ furious wind, blinds traveller, driver, and horses, mates, and go where it is warm and pleasant; and so covers up the track that the animals can and who can blame them? For myself, as a scarcely make headway against the raging storm, physician, I have observed the effects of the cli¬ then the worst that can happen is that the ac¬ mates of , Santa Fé, and other high al- cumulation of drifts and the force of the storm

Downloaded From: http://jama.jamanetwork.com/ by a Florida International University Medical Library User on 05/28/2015 may render it impossible to proceed, and sledge scientific press, the nations of Europe and Amer¬ and horses will be rapidly snowed up. . . . Thus ica to unite in its erection and improvement. It by slow and painful stages, the travellers [con¬ would seem particularly fit that some such prop¬ sumptives] may reach their haven of safety, to osition should be made for Florida, since its his¬ suffer for days in eyes and skin, if not more se¬ tory shows that at different periods it belonged verely, from the terrible exposure. Sunshine lasts successively to four of the present leading gov¬ from 10:45 A-M- to 3 P-M- on ¡-he shortest day, and ernments of the world, the last of whom expelled these hours mark the limits within which most a nation of brave and strong warriors from its invalids find it desirable to remain out of doors. soil. Then it was all war and dreadful massacre; There is often a difference of more than 50 degrees now, in the igth century, there is an opportunity F. between the temperature in sun and shade. The offered for all these nations to join hands on the sudden chill which accompanies sundown is re¬ peaceful paths of sanitary science, and in culti¬ markable. Except when moonlight tobogganing vating the art of prolonging life. is indulged in, it is not usual for people to go out None of the places as they are at present im¬ walking in the evening." From this example it proved in Florida can now fill this requirement. is plain that the course marked out and followed There are many of them quite good, but all lack " by the fashionable " fads of the present day is completeness for such a purpose as the one pro¬ not to be accounted for; but it is common sense posed. The situations upon which most of them to suppose that this sort of thing for consumptives are built are more the result of circumstances than cannot last. study. A place ought now to be found, where Compare this picture, which tempted quota¬ such improvements may be erected, concerning tion from its vividness, with the climate of south¬ which it could be said with pride, that pleasant ern peninsulas, where the air in winter is gener¬ climate and pure air and water are not all which ally mild. In Florida, especially upon its south¬ the medical profession, with its collateral studies, western coast, the average winter temperature is can offer to the world on this unique peninsula. about 68 degrees F., and during few winters are A distinguished physician in another country, the extremes of the thermometer lower than 45 as it were anticipating such a want here, has degrees F., or higher than 80 degrees. These given the general outline for the building of a extremes, however, are very rare upon this coast, health city, which is particularly adapted to a and of short duration. Again, upon peninsulas, warm climate. Without such a city, as a sanitary the scene of open water is a pleasant and refresh¬ and pleasure resort, Florida will never be ing change from that of ice-bound streams, bare complete. trees and frozen ground. The amusements of Upon one of the large sub-peninsulas on the walking in the open air, hunting, riding, driving southwest coast of the state, a city may be built and boating, in no small degree contribute to after the ideal model drawn by the master hand health and pleasure; and the abundance of fruits, of Dr. B. W. Richardson, of London, whose fresh vegetables, and fish are not found in north¬ paper upon this subject was read before the ern inland countries. It is not wonderful, there¬ Brighton meeting of the Social Science Associa¬ fore, that such advantages as these are sought tion, in 1874. after. They indeed offer a haven of hope for in¬ All the fire-proof materials to construct such a valids and a desirable winter home for all. city are near at hand on this peninsula. It can On account of these facts, which have been re¬ be erected with comparatively small cost. Noth¬ peatedly observed and extensively published by ing is wanting but the determination to do it, able writers, Florida is now attracting the atten¬ and the mind of such an architect as Mr. Chad- tion of the European physicians and sanitarians. wick, to whom Dr. Richardson largely refers in The Russian, the German, the English, the French his paper. and Spanish physicians, as well as those in South That such a city will be built here in the near America and the islands, are all becoming more future, no one who has watched the progress of and better acquainted with the peculiar attrac¬ affairs of this kind in and out of the state, during tions of Florida: and, tired of those inferior cli¬ the last few years, can doubt. It should be done mates which have been mentioned and which at once, and when finished, invalids and pleasure they have tried so long, and looking for some¬ seekers, from all lands, will come to enjoy the thing new and better, they are freely recommend¬ delights of a winter climate, which, all things ing this state as a health and pleasure resort. If considered, can probably have no equal else¬ this is the drift of their inclinations, as it would where. appear to be from their writings and conversation, Where should such a city be built? Overlook¬ what is needed to attract invalids from these dis¬ ing the deep Gulf of Mexico, with the broad tant lands to Florida is that more and greater waters of a beautiful bay nearly surrounding it, preparation be made for their accommodation. with but little now upon its sterile soil but the This is a point of importance at this time, and the primal forest, there is a large sub-peninsula, subject will amply repay a careful consideration. Point Pinellas, waiting the hand of improvement, The scheme which will now be proposed is to as the larger peninsula from which it juts did " project a " Health City upon an enlarged scale, but a few years ago. It lies in latitude 27 degrees and to invite through the medical, the social, and and 42 minutes, and contains, with its adjoining

Downloaded From: http://jama.jamanetwork.com/ by a Florida International University Medical Library User on 05/28/2015 keys, about 160,000 acres of land. No marsh for 100,000 inhabitants, living in 20,000 houses, surrounds its shores or rests upon its surface; and built upon 4,000 acres of land. On this the sweep of its beach is broad and graceful, subject he says: "In an artistic sense, it might stretching many miles, and may be improved to have been better to have chosen a smaller town, an imposing extent. Its average winter tem¬ or large village, for my description, but, as the perature is 72 degrees; that its climate is peculiar, great mortality of states is resident in cities, it its natural products show; that its air is healthy, is practically better to take the larger and less the ruddy appearance of its few inhabitants favored community." attests. Those who have carefully surveyed the This style of building, that is, upon arches, is entire state, and have personally investigated this not proposed for Florida without due delibera¬ sub-peninsula and its surroundings, think that it tion. It may not appear the best upon first offers the finest climate in Florida. presentation, but it will bear study. The houses Here should be built such a city as Dr. will be high and dry, with a free flow of air Richardson has outlined, or an improvement beneath them. The floors should be from four upon the Pullman city near Chicago, adapting to six inches thick. The cost of arches, built such improvements to the purposes intended. with artificial stone, will be less than the cost of To give an idea of Dr. Richardson's model, a digging and laying pipes and sewers for drainage quotation will be given from his paper, taking under ground. There is no frost here, hence no the liberty, however, to change the sequence, and fear of water freezing. If once tried, its advan¬ alter the meaning of a few words of the original tages will make it universal. text. If the situation which has been pointed out Dr. Richardson says: " Mr. Chadwick has has all the advantages which are claimed for it, many times told us that he could build a city and some of which will now be given, then it is which would reduce any stated mortality, from the proper place for an improvement which fifty, or any number more, to five, or perhaps should have no equal, as its climate is matchless. some number less, in the thousand annually. I Dr. Charles J. Kenworthy, of Jacksonville, a well believe Mr. Chadwick to be correct to the letter known authority upon the of in this statement, and for that reason I have Florida, says: "I have spent twenty-one winters projected a city that shall show the lowest mor¬ in Florida, and being familiar with a large tality. portion of the state, I have reason to believe that " Whatever disadvantage might spring in I am warranted in expressing an opinion. From other places from a retention of water on the my knowledge of the state, I am convinced that soil, is here met by the plan that is universally Point Pinellas is eminently adapted as a location followed, of building every house on arches. So, for a sanitarium. The locality is strictly healthy, where in other towns there are areas, kitchens, and it is accessible. The west and northwest and servants' offices, there are here subways winds are robbed of their piercing and refrigerant through which the air flows freely, and down the effects by passing over the warm waters of the inclines of which all currents of water are carried Gulf of Mexico. The east and northeast winds away. are deprived of their harshness in over " passing The roofs of the houses are but slightly the peninsula of Florida. Having made the arched, and indeed, are all but flat. They are climatology of Florida a special study, I am of covered with asphalt or tiling. These roofs are the opinion that Point Pinellas is the situation barricaded around with palisades, are tastefully par excellence for a sanitarium and a winter resort painted, and make excellent outdoor grounds for tourists. In addition to the sanitarium, I for every house. Flowers may be cultivated on would recommend the erection of a hotel to ac¬ them. commodate tourists and sportsmen. The harsh¬ " The floors are of heavy, hard wood, over ness of the east and northeast winds on the which no carpet is ever laid. They are kept Atlantic coast, the frequent rains and sudden bright and clean by the old-fashioned beeswax atmospheric changes, so common in the northern and turpentine, and the air is thus made fresh portion of the state, and the liability to malarial and ozonic by the process. diseases at certain points in the interior, would "All pipes are conveyed along the subways, and induce visitors to seek the equable, healthy and enter each house from beneath. Each house is balmy climate of the Gulf coast, if suitable complete within itself in all its arrangements, accommodations could be secured." so that all those disfigurements called back Mr. William C. Chase, who has travelled exten¬ premises are not required. At a distance from sively over the state, with a view of studying its the town, and connected with it by a telephone, climatology, says: "Were I sent abroad to are stables, the slaughter houses, and the public search for a haven of rest for tired man, where laundries and laboratories. Each night, or early new life would come with every sun, and slum¬ in the morning, all sewage and refuse matter is ber full of sleep with every moon, I would select removed from the town in closed vans, and con¬ Point Pinellas, Florida. It is the kindest spot, veyed to a distance, where it is utilized by Mr. the most perfect paradise ; more beautiful it Hope's plan." could not be made. Still, calm, and eloquent in Dr. Richardson, in his paper, projected a city every feature, it must be intended for some wise

Downloaded From: http://jama.jamanetwork.com/ by a Florida International University Medical Library User on 05/28/2015 of purpose in the economy man's life. Its Indian magnificent trees of the tropics—there are trees mounds show that it was selected by the original growing on Pinellas having a circumference of inhabitants for a populous settlement. These branches of ninety-six feet, and not eight years mounds are not very common in Florida, and old. The persea gratissima (the avacado pear) where found there are always excellent attrac¬ is also a beautiful tree, some specimens here tions. Some of the mounds of Point Pinellas having attained a height of thirty-six feet. Both will measure from one hundred to three hundred fruits are highly esteemed. Many other choice feet in circumference, and thirty to ninety feet tropical fruits are to be found growing, among a some of them. high—quite hill, A skeleton them the anona cherimolia, or cheremoya, pro¬ dug from one of them had a thigh bone five inches nounced by Wallace to be a spiritualized straw¬ longer than that of a man living on the Point berry. Abundance of oranges, limes, lemons, gua- who was six feet tall. The present inhabitants vas, and bananas, and a few varieties of grapes." have none of the sallow, unhealthy complexions He also says the supply of game, fish, oysters, so common in the South, but are ruddy and clear, clams, scallops, etc., is abundant, and that excel¬ and as fine specimens of manhood as can be lent beaches for salt-water bathing are accessible found anywhere. Nowhere in Florida can be from either bay or Gulf side; " so that at Pinellas, found such lakes and such good water. It is a it is impossible to locate far from good bathing, fact worthy of consideration, that the sapodillo, fishing or hunting." the mango, and many other positively tropical In a paper on " The Climatic Conditions of fruits and plants, grow and yield here, and living Florida," Judge J. G. Knapp, State Agent of men gather and ship their yield, and depend upon Agriculture, divides the state into eight belts. their crops with as much certainty as the balance He says: "The boundaries are not as sharp as of Florida does upon the orange, cotton, and sugar latitudinal lines. His divisions are the north¬ cane. One cannot too carefully note this fact." western, the northern, north central, central, Mr. Theodore G. Maltby, than whom there is south central, southern, semi-tropical, and eighth, no one more able to give an opinion upon this the tropical belts. Of the central belt he " says: subject, says, in a letter dated from Point Pinel¬ The year possesses so a climate " equable that, las: I will state my experience at Pinellas, and in the estimation of the inhabitants, the present elsewhere in Florida. Before coming here I paid season is always better than the past. Summer an extended visit to the east coast, and visited and winter vary from each other rather by the most points of interest between St. Augustine months in the almanac, than by the markings of and . I was much pleased with the the thermometer." Of the south central belt he Indian River country as being the most desirable says: " If we were charmed in the central, in the location for fruit growing I had then seen, but south central we will be enchanted. Here frosts the insect annoyances that must always be en¬ never freeze the orange, and it may remain on dured deterred me from settling there. The the parent tree until fully ripe. In this belt lies mosquitoes and sandflies were terrible. We were the frostless Pinellas, and the lands between the compelled to wear head nets and gauntlet gloves waters of Tampa and Manatee Bays and the at night in order to sleep; and from the sandflies Gulf. The nation's eye is turned thither, and the there was no escape except by continual warfare, tread of the pioneer is heard. He who will pre¬ When I returned to Florida three years ago, I did dict for this region a high rank among the in¬ not look at the east coast. I had determined to comparable belts of Florida, will not err." go to Jamaica, but meeting Dr. Branch in Tampa, After this evidence, it might be deemed unnec¬ who had lived in many years Florida, he told me essary to say anything more about Florida as a that Pinellas was the most healthy place, and had winter resort, or concerning the excellence of the the most desirable climate of any portion of climate of Point Pinellas. But the descriptions Florida. And I here state that if I should leave which have been written may bring disappoint¬ Pinellas, it would not be with the idea of finding ment to some persons, when they face the reality. a better location in the state. Its nearly insular It is the intention that in this paper, at least, there position, being almost surrounded by sea water, shall be no misrepresentation, if it can be avoided. which ebbs twice a and flows day, filling every A gentleman of this city, now over sixty years bay and bayou with warm water from the Gulf, of age, has spent much of his adult life in search¬ and in summer with cool water, serve to keep an ing for a perfect climate. His standard has been even temperature, and prevent great extremes of formed from reading. Although his means and heat and cold, and giving us a climate where the industry have permitted him to travel wherever mango, avacado pear, and other tropical fruits literature invited, he is still in search of his ideal thrive and flourish; while a few miles north, and climate. His case is not an uncommon one. many miles south, these are almost yearly injured Everyone who has travelled much in Florida by frost. Among the tropical fruits growing knows that there are cold days there in every here is the cérica pay-payo, a fruit said to be winter. Fires have been seen and enjoyed from exceedingly rich in pepsin. I can speak from Fernandina to Tampa. The new San Marco hotel actual knowledge, that it is an excellent remedy in St. Augustine is warmed by a steam apparatus. for indigestion. The mango fera (the mango), The rulings of the thermometer are found to be is also in bearing here. It is one of the most variable everywhere: sinking with the north, and

Downloaded From: http://jama.jamanetwork.com/ by a Florida International University Medical Library User on 05/28/2015 rising with the south winds. It is difficult to find Gulf is drained by a channel through the straits the exact frost line. Concerning this, which would of Florida into a deeper basin off the north coast not appear to be a very material point, there is a of Porto Rico, which is 37,000 feet deep, with a contention. There are old inhabitants who say bottom temperature of 35o F. The surface tem¬ that at long periods, and at rare intervals, frosts perature of the Gulf water is 87o F. Is it that appear in every part of the state, Pinellas included, the Gulf is landlocked, and its waters heated by and there are others who assert the contrary. the sun, or does the dynamic force of the water However, asa general truth, it is well known that at these great depths expel its latent heat ? Who¬ there are elsewhere more equable climates than ever wishes to theorize concerning this subject Florida can offer. But with equal truth it can be may do so. The two facts, in order to show said, that these climates are either too hot or too them more prominently, are here placed side by dry to be pleasant, or that they are compara¬ side, as they exist in nature—the frostless penin¬ tively inaccessible. Rain and alternations of sula, and the basin; one is as true as the other; temperature according to meteorological laws go the latter has been proved by the soundings of together. It is by comparison only, and by tak¬ the United States officers, the former is herewith ing all with all, that the winter climate of Florida given, with its proofs, for the future observation has become celebrated, esteemed, and so much of the world. If the health city, like to the one sought after. which Dr. Richardson has imagined, or the one On the 2oth of last February there was a stiff which the Pullman Company have made, is built northeast breeze blowing on Point Pinellas, and here, no better or more accessible place can be •overcoats were not uncomfortable to some persons found for the united enjoyment, mingling, and who were there on that day. At 6 a.m. the ther¬ conference, of many nations. That it was con¬ mometer had been 46° F., the coldest day this sidered a choice and favored spot by the Indians, year. Yet the climate on this point is anoma¬ has already been said, of which there is no lous. It is asserted by its inhabitants, admitted doubt. The archaeology of the United States by its neighbors, proved by its flora, and published shows, that as a rule, the best food-producing, unchallenged by writers, that frost does not occur and the healthiest situations, contain abundant there. It has been long and generally known as evidences of the long residence of the early in¬ the "frostless Pinellas." If this is absolutely habitants. The Indian mounds on Point Pinel¬ correct, or if a close approximation to it be las are by far the.largest in the state, and the assured, there must be some cause, or combina¬ other evidences of an ancient populous settle¬ tion of causes, to account for this effect. Frost ment are equally plain. •occurs on the mainland in the same latitude. And Mr. Chase has told us that the food supply it even occurs one hundred miles further south. from the waters of Tampa Bay, from what he With all due diffidence, and subject hereafter has heard, may not be excelled even by that of to correction, the following reasons are suggested the Chesapeake. Beds of oysters, clams, and as a possible explanation for this remarkable fact. other shell fish are as large, and as good in qual¬ Pinellas is a sub-peninsula having a large land ity, as those found in and Virginia. surface, which is for the most part, poor, high, These oyster beds are now vast in extent, not dry, and hard, with here and there fertile spots having been much worked or drawn upon since scattered over its surface. The north and east the disturbance and expulsion of the Seminóles. winds blowing to it are first warmed by passing The variety of edible fish is large, and they are over the main or larger peninsula, then again considered by many to be superior to those found warmed by the Bay of Tampa, and yet again in the Baltimore and Norfolk markets. The further warmed and re-dried by the land surface ; pompano, the tarpon, blue fish, and red fish, the of Pinellas. The south, the west, and northwest mackerel, mullet, and many others, are in great winds are warmed by the Gulf of Mexico first, abundance. The keys are lined with marine and pass over a chain of keys before reaching curiosities, and upon some of them are rookeries the "Point." and wild game. So that the feature of amuse¬ In the Gulf of Mexico, and beginning at a ment and pleasure, so often wanting at health distance less than 100 miles to the west from resorts, is here fully and happily supplied by these keys, is a basin 13,000 feet deep, and larger nature. in extent than the entire state of Georgia. It is Upon the land, according to Mr. Maltby, the •called Sigsley's deep. Prof. Hilgard, Chief of oranges and other fruits are only excelled by the Coast and Geodetic Survey Bureau, has a those of Indian River, and again there are others model of it in his office at . who esteem the fruits of Pinellas above those of Has this immensely deep basin an effect upon any other region of Florida. The vegetables the temperature of the surface water of the Gulf, grown upon the Gulf coast are of a superior which is 9 degrees F. warmer than that in the quality, fully equal to those found anywhere. Atlantic in the same latitude ? The tempera¬ The land of the sub-peninsula has an average tures, in round numbers, are as follows: The height of about sixty feet, and commands a fine average temperature of the water flowing into water prospect. In the distance the famous Eg- the Gulf is 54o F. The temperature at the bot¬ mont Key and the smiling landscapes of the tom of the basin is 37o F. The deep basin in the Manatee River country are to be seen.

Downloaded From: http://jama.jamanetwork.com/ by a Florida International University Medical Library User on 05/28/2015 AU these things, as well as its remarkable cli¬ THE TREATMENT OF CARBUNCLE WITHOUT mate, point to it as a place for health and happy INCISION. existence. Who will undertake its improvement? L. DUNCAN BULKLEY, A.M., M.D., as more who will not or, it may be aptly put, OF NEW YORK. work for its success ? In the there are at past A recent severe and somewhat case of least two instances of which are striking city building carbuncle treated without incision has recalled a The hero of encouraging. great antiquity sought number of cases which excited a which he his household similarly treated, peninsula,upon brought some little interest who had and founded the from whence among physicians gods city sprung watched the cases at my clinics and elsewhere, the Latin race and the walls of lofty Rome. The and has the of historic William Penn ran his miles suggested propriety presenting plow through the on this occasion. While the avoidance of the wants of Phila¬ subject wilderness, anticipating of a cutting operation in carbuncle is by delphia. no means a new I feel sure from my if a suggestion, Guided by such illustrious precedents, in and intercourse with the health is or ever will at experience profession, city now, be, projected that the far more is to make the the of it to be general practice Pinellas, compass ought large, free incisions so recommended in and If commenced commonly ample, complete. now, pru¬ text and that the here advocated that the first many books, plan dence indeed may dictate beginning differs in from that would better be on a scale commensurate many respects usually only I will first in brief the case with what need demands. There employed. present present may yet referred to: be difficulties in the to baffle and check the way a florid that cannot be therefore much Judge\p=m-\aged 56, large, gentleman, work, foreseen; with delicate first came under treatment will those into whose hands it skin, depend upon may for a amount of eczema first fall. very moderate upon the left and which had existed to a Wise of are nec¬ leg foot, words, yet suggestive success, or less there and elsewhere for here. The which have been greater degree essary improvements five or six He had in Florida are those of years. generally enjoyed made already evidently but. stated that he had had diabetes the of At the good health, age hasty production. present for some in he had not when is so and so time, varying degree; time, living luxurious, luxury well since a of nervous exhaustion the latest and best ideas in slept period contagious, sanitary several He was an excessive must be attended to in order to years previously. building give smoker. The eczema well satisfaction. differ as to the mode yielded remarkably Opinions may and to an alkaline and anointment to arch in a level coun¬ quickly tonic, of building, but building of bismuth, and white none can a order of camphor, precipitate. try, deny high advantages. Six weeks after his first visit he returned com¬ It has been the endeavor of the writer to call of in the back of the neck on the attention to the state of Florida as a winter plaining pain and on examination a resort for the restoration of the health of inva¬ right side, red, hard, boggy mass was between an inch and a half and and for the of those who a found, lids, pleasure enjoy two inches in in either direction. This warm winter climate and the and diameter, sports pastimes was was an inch that it offers. moderately elevated, apparently in and on the surface were several small It has also endeavored to show how its accom¬ thickness, it had existed several be¬ modations be for the benefit of pustular points; days may improved fore his visit. He was other nations than the citizens of the United given quarter grain of calcium one of States. As to the situation where its " health sulphide pills, gelatine-coated, " which was to be taken two irre¬ should be I have tried to out every hours, city built, point of meals. he was directed to the and show its spective Locally place, advantages. the entire and over an area of a recent visit to attention keep surface, During Florida, my three covered with with the was called to Point and I examined it as nearly inches, lint, Pinellas, ointment on the as time and circumstances following spread very thickly well and carefully per¬ side: mitted. At its southern the land is woolly extremity, 3 Ext. Ergotae fld. 3ij shaped like a pyramid, and at its apex now stands Zinci Oxidi. 3j a a high palmetto tree which, viewed from dis¬ Unguent. Aquas Rosas .... 313 M. tance in any direction, as it rises out of the sand, This dressing was to be renewed twice daily, or presents a singular spectacle. Poetry might sug¬ oftener if there was much discomfort. gest that it was a beacon to this genial climate, Three days later he called at the office, with but actually, around its roots on the point the the parts very thoroughly covered with the sea sweeps over a broad and graceful beach, dressing; the boggy mass had increased in size, trending in beauty for miles on either side. From and was fully three inches in diameter, and the here, extending far up into the land toward the J pustular openings, four in number, were more base of the pyramid, Health City should be apparent and discharged some pus; in the largest erected. of these, in the centre of the mass, a small por¬ As a result of that visit and examination, this tion of slough was seen. He had had consider- paper is now offered to you, as a con¬ gentlemen, 1 Read in the Section on Practice of Medicine, Materia Medica, and tribution to sanitary science. Physiology, April 28, 1885.

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