WCP3519

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset

March 29^th. 1901

Dear Madam,

I have never been in N. Borneo, but the climate cannot be very different from that of Sarawak.

I have found all countries within 5 degrees of the Equator healthy & enjoyable, except when made unhealthy by man— by clearing away too much forest etc. The uniformity of the climate is so delightful, the nights being always cool & refreshing, though of course hot during the day (82°-94° fah.) [2] Health in the tropics is, however mainly a question of habits. Plenty of out of doors exercise— hard work even— is as necessary there as here, with wholesome and nourishing food. Whether the climate would be beneficial for asthma I don’t know, but I should recommend your son to get cured of that first. I have been cured of it this last summer when it was making my life miserable,— by D^r Salisbury’s treatment— abstinence from [3] potatoes, bread & other starch foods, & a diet of mostly meat, with fruits & nuts. Of course a very small quantity of dry toast & vegetables may be taken.¹ The effect one me was immediate & wonderful. I had besides asthma, palpitations often very distressing & almost chronic bronchitis. Since I changed my diet last July all have left me, & I have gained strength. ½ pint or a pint of hot water an hour before each meal, with exercise and attention to general health is of course [4] necessary.

Believe me | Yours very truly | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

Mrs. Daumenther