Mr. B. Is Hieres exposed to the same evil?
Dr. A. Not in the same degree. It has generally the credit of being much milder, and I really believe that it is justly preferred to every other place in Provence,—but it is not free from the Mistral. Dr. Clark, however, tells us that about the bases of the hills, there are some sheltered spots, where the invalid might enjoy several hours in the open air on almost every dry day, but then there exists a difficulty in reaching them at those times, when they would be most useful.
Mr. B. I see plainly, that a residence in the south of France would never realize my hopes of recovery; perhaps Nice may be more likely to afford satisfaction?
Dr. A. Nice, as you probably know, was first brought into vogue by our celebrated countryman, Dr. Smollet, who resided there during two winters, and it has been extolled by numerous writers since that period; the northern blasts, which rage with such fury in the south of France, are averted from this favoured valley by the maritime alps. Dr. Smollet, in speaking of its superior mildness, when compared with Provence, says, "the north-west winds blew as cold in Provence as ever I felt them on the mountains of Scotland, whereas Nice is altogether screened from them by mountains."
Mr. B. If I have been correctly informed, the neighbourhood of Nice is on many accounts preferable to the town itself.
Dr. A. The suburbs of the 'Croix de Marbre' have been the favourite residence of the English, and indeed on that account are not unfrequently called the 'Fauxbourg des Anglois'. This spot is situated immediately beyond the river Paglion, which, descending from its Alpine sources, washes the western extremity of the town and falls into the bay of Nice.
Mr. B. What accommodations are to be met with at Nice?
Dr. A. I have always understood that provisions are both good and abundant; some of my patients, however, have complained greatly of the bread as being sour and ill tasted from the leaven. As to the other accommodations, Dr. Clark says that they are also good, making allowance always for the inconveniences which, to an English family, are inseparable from foreign houses, such as smoky apartments, ill provided fire places, &c.
Mr. B. Now state, if you please, the objections that may be urged against Nice.