A. 1st—Because the absence of oxygen quickly affects the vital functions, depresses the nervous energies, and produces a lassitude which ends in death: and
2ndly—The carbonic acid gas inhaled by the captives (being a narcotic poison) would also produce drowsiness and death.
Q. Why do persons, who are so much in the open air, enjoy the best health?
A. Because the air they inhale is much more pure.
Q. Why is country air more pure than the air in cities?
A. 1st—Because there are fewer inhabitants to vitiate the air:
2ndly—There are more trees to restore the equilibrium of the vitiated air: and
3rdly—The free circulation of air keeps it pure and wholesome (in the same way as running streams are pure and wholesome, while stagnant waters are the contrary).
Q. Why does the scantiness of a country population render the country air more pure?