The Placer herald., 1867-04-13
A Man of Regular Habits.

Ilttie Wote, III dSeu anu uiSu'y IesPeCteu
physician departed this life in one Of the
counties of Massachusetts. In fact, this
worthy gentleman had reached, at the time
Of his disease, the extraordinary age Of one
hundred and five years.
No little interest, as may be imagined,
had lowered around lis slowly declining
days, and this was naturally awakened to
fresber concern at the period Of bis long
deferred DEATH He had always enjoyed the
full esteem OF his fellow citizens and the
medical profession, which naturally looked
up to him as its father and guide. The Pc
riod Of his death was one of great EXETER
ment in regard TO the temperance question,
and it was felt that some important lessons
for the benefit Of the cause could be derived
from an investigation Of the ordinary habits
of gentleman of education and scientific
attaiuments, whose life had been rrotract-
ed to such an advanced period, doubtless
owing to the rigorous adherence to the
laws Of health, and promulgated and en-
forced by the total abstinence advocates of
the day.
Accordingly, after the lapse ofa due sea-
son, committee was deputed, on the par:
of temperance societies TO wait upon some
near relative Of the old gentleman deceased,
in order 10 learn positively what had been
the course OF his life, and by what means
he bad so long preserved an existence in
the possession Of mental and physical vigor
until at length it yielded to absolute decay
Of bodily powers, without tue Intervention Of
any acute disease.
The deputaton having proceeded to the
ancient physicians late place of residence,
waited upon a gentleman who was bis
ulars concerning his aged relative. After
due sentiments Of condolement had been
expressed, the suitable inquiries were pro
pounded.
"Doubtless," said the chief interocutor,
"your grandfather, enjoying such remark
able span Of existence, was strict observer
Of the rules Of temperance; We need not
express our confidence that he INDUCED
in no excess in the use Of hurtful kinds Of
drinks"
"Ob, no, sir" said the person inquired Of
"you may be sure Of that. My grandfather
was a person Of very regular habits"
':But we would like to know, if you
please" pursued the questioner, something
10 particular regarding bis mode Of life; how
for instance, he began, and passed, and ended
the day?"
swell, sir, when he first rose in the morn
ing be took about half a glass of pure ia.
maica rum; my grandfather was person of
very regular habits: this was his uniform
CUSTOM"
This, suppose" said the enquirer, twas
to give sort Of flip to bis system after the
lelhargy Of heightened repose, made requis-
ite as an exceptional case, by his very adj
vanced period Of life, Please tell US what
his practice was during the rest of the day?'
"My grandfather was person OF very
regular habits, and took nothing else Of this
sort until eleven o'clock and then only
glass of Jamaica rum"
"Indeed did he drink anything with his
meals!"
Not exactly with his meals; about half
an hour before dinner, he drank mixture
to which he was partial, consisting Of half
and half Of cider and rum. But after drinkl
ing that, it was bis custom to 60 out for
short walk and return to dinner. When
dinner was about half through, he
would then drink say, a glass of rum, or
whiskey as the case might be, and another
when dinner was over. Dinner was always
on the table at one o'clock; he took no more
until four o'clock, and after that a small
quantity in his tea His practice was not to
drink any thing else until bedtime, which was
always nine O'Clock when he had glass or
two of whiskey or rum, unless, indeed, some
neighbor or friend came in to join him. lie
was very hospitable always, and, as have
remarked, extremely y regular in his habits"
The committee looked at one another and
hesitated about pursuing the inquiry any
further. 1t occurred to them, however, that
it would be we'll to save themselves, if possi-
Bile, in regard TO the use Of tobacco.
did DR.. - ever smoke?" asked the
chairman.
"That," said their host, twas one Of his
most regular habits. lie was not often
without pipe in bis mouth, when not en-
gagged professionally. lie did not smoke in
his bed"
'Surely, then, he used tobacco in no other
way?" suggested the interrogation.
"My grandfather, every Saturday afternoon,
gentlemen, purchased certain quantity Of
pigtail tobacco say from twenty one to
twenty.three inches in length; this he cut in
10 seven different portions, one OF which per
day and no more, he used for chewing 10
The course Of the seven days of the week.
My grandfather's habits, as / have observ.
ed"
"Oh. confound your grandfather and bis
habits" broke in the quesIiousr, out Of all
patience. II beg your pardon. sir, but it
is not necessary to pursue this subject any
further"
AN Irishman, on hearing Of friend bav'
ing a stone coffin made for himself, excam