a neighbor calling, was allowed to enter the sick-room.  The patient was too ill to take much notice of the visitor, and the visitor likely felt that what he might say would not effect the result, and, being rough in manners and coarse of speech, bawled out, in a loud tone, that “he wouldn’t give much for his (the patient’s) chances,” and stalked out of the room.  Happening to be present, and fearing the effect of this ill-bred visitor’s remark, we drew near the bedside to hear the prostrate invalid whisper out that he was determined to live, if only to spite the old fellow.  His recovery seemed to date from that event, and in a few weeks he was in possession of good health.

Consumption is divided into several classes; the more common forms are the inflammatory, the hereditary, the dyspeptic, and the catarrhal.  There are others, but these suffice for purposes of brief mention of the leading characteristics of all cases.

The inflammatory is often the more difficult of management than that of the others, as its attack is violent and prostrating to such a degree as to render the usual aids of exercise and diet out of the question, for the most part.  Long journeys, for any purpose, are to be avoided, though removals from the immediate sea-coast, to some dry, sandy section in the interior, within a hundred miles or so, is advisable.  The robust and strong are equally subject to this class of consumption.  Contracting a violent cold, such as might be taken when in a state of excitement and great perspiration in a ball-room or at a fire, and without sufficient protection pass out into the chilling air, inflammation of the lungs immediately takes place, and the chances are great of either a fatal termination of life or a shattered constitution.

The hereditary class are more frequent, and, by proper treatment of themselves, many may attain to a comparatively long life, and be able to do much of valuable service, if their employment takes them out in the open air.  Of course many, inheriting this disease and having enfeebled constitutions, cannot be saved, let what will be done, and it is probably a wise provision that they are not.  Consumptives should be careful to remember their great responsibility in forming alliances whereby this terrible evil is perpetuated.  There should be some law enacted prohibiting the marriage of confirmed cases of scrofula, consumption, and insanity, even though complete recovery be had, as frequently happens in these difficulties.

The dyspeptic cases are numerous, and arise usually from general debility, caused by insufficient or unwholesome diet, close apartments, a too sedentary life, long depression of spirits, coupled with, perhaps, uncleanliness and irregularities, all contributing to this result.  These can all be relieved, and many fully restored, if taken in season, by a counter course of living.