The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1869-07-15

L - So0AlS 10 De q very common nOClOn
with many that the principal use of light
IS 60 enable us to see yet the effect of
darkness upon vegetation, is so frequent
matter OF, observation, that a free expo
sure to the light is obviously necessary to
the vigorous growth of vegetables. That
It is equally as essential to vigorous ami
mai growth, is an idea that seems seldom
entertained. Light is a necessary stimulus
IN the one case as in the other, and is as
essential to the healthy growth of the lat
ter as OF the former and should be sup
piled, like food and air, in suitable qanti-
ties. AS the potatoe sprout when grow
| ing In the cellar, is blanched and tender /:
containing but little combustible or car
oonaceous matter; not having the firm,
woody texture of the plant when growing
in the sunlight; SO is it with human
beings who live in dark places, whether
from the necessities of poverty, the per-
nicious customs or bad arrangements of
those well -to-do in life, or deemed neces-
sary as fit punishment for crime. The
Importance of light upon the human sys-
tennis not ordinarily recognized, because it's
operations are Intimately in connection
with other causes. For this reason, the
scanty supply of light is commonly ignor-
ed, and the attention directed to other
causes and if recognized at all, its i'm
portance is apt to be underestimate. 1t
is no ultraism to affirm that proper sup
ply of light is as necessary to good health,
as due amount of pure air or good food,
simply because the sunlight is necessary
to enable the food and air to produce
their proper. full effect upon the SYSTEM;
and that deficient supply is one of the
principal causes of the debility that is so
common basis of diseased functional &C
ition in the physical economy of man.
How this influence is exerted is not known
but the fact is plain enough. Such ex-
periences as those Of DIR. Kane and his
company in the Arctic regions, conclu
sively prove it. In their case, the air was
pure enough, the opportunities for exer-
else abundant, and food good: and yet
they were so bleached by the long night
of nearly three months, that DR.. Kane
said: eve are set of pale faces, and
none paler than myself" But this was
not all: the whole company were debili-
tated, and lost their appetites; they were
troubled with rheumatism, coughs and
scurVy. This latter disease is usually at
tributed to the continued use of sailed
meats; but DR.. Kane's first expedition
was well supplied with vegetables and
fresh meat Still there were numerous
cases of scurvy, The debility occasioned
by the long absence of the sunlight was
ethe grand cause Of this dicease in this
particular instance. This vegetation
in darkness" not only vitiated the blood,
but morbidly effected the nervous system,
resulting even in epilepsy.
The nerves of the dogs were especially
effected, though most of them were ma
tives of the Arctic regions They would
bark frienziedly at nothing, and walk in
curved lines or circles with apparent anx-
iety and unwearying perseverance then
start off bowling, as If pursued, and run
back and forth for hours or stand oscil.
lating with strange pantomime of fear
This effect upon one of the most faithful
companions of man, must be attributed
to the physical effects of the absence of
sunlight. ,i9a
These cases are all the more valuable
for being extreme ones, as showing in a
decided manner the effects of this agency;
and the inference is rendered clear one
that a lesser deficiency of sunlight will
produce similar though of course lesser
effects
Then let the sunlight cooperate with
fresh air, as nature designed it should, in
giving richness to the blood and vigor to
the system. Open your window blinds
and bid the sun "good morning." and let
| it shine abundantly upon you and
upon your habitation. Welcome its light
as one of your best friends,and it will paint
your cheeks with tints that no artist can
initiate, or complexion powder produce.
There is truth In the old proyerb: "where
the sun never comes the physician must. !"
The overlooking of the Illinois riveris