It is shown that the death rate among soldiers, even though they are well provided for and remaining in barracks, is enormous. It far surpasses civilians. Lung diseases and cholera are twice as fatal to soldiers as to civilians. This large death rate among soldiers is due to overcrowded barracks, sameness of diet, and want of healthful exercise. The mortality in the navy is nearly double that in the merchant service—all being of disease.
Mortality is affected by population, location and climate.
It is a mistaken notion that mild winters are fatal to human life. Extremes are always harmful.
Sanitary and Medical.
All dwellings should be well lighted and ventilated.
Never stop up your grate or fire place in summer.
In and around all dwellings should be kept clean, and lime should be freely used.
Do not crowd people in a room, for lung troubles will surely follow. Each person requires a certain quantity of fresh air per minute, and too many persons in the same room will cut off this necessary supply.
Take all of the out door exercise you can get, and stay as much amid the wholesome air of the country as you can.
Do not buy cheap food, because it is cheap, but always have an eye to quality. Musty meal, tainted meat and other half decayed and decaying food have carried many a person to a premature grave.