The Hawaiian gazette., 1896-07-31
DIR. RUssELL's SUGGESTIONS.

DIR. n. Russell has published a very
interesting and we may add, instruct
i've pamphlet on How to Live on the
Hawaiian Islands," The Doctor has
made study of the climatic condi-
tons of the country and brought the
first results of his Investigations and
conclusions before the public in a pa
per read before the Medical Association
last year. That was a scientific treat
Use which attracted favorable COM
ment from the medicos. In the
pamphlet published this year, DIR. Rus
sell gives his theories and then makes
practical applications of no little value
to the individual in mapping out his
routine of daily existence.
DR.. Russell points out that the
Islands possess an excellent and re-
markable climate, and that whatever
ills come to the human frame, are not
so much the result of the facilitating
influences of direct tropical sun as
TO the malarial atmosphere that may be
found in the lowlands. In fact malaria
is made to bear all the burdens of dis
ease. On this point the Doctor might
meet opposition from some members
OF his profession, but whether the de-
bilitating influence of the climate of
certain districts is called malariaI or
some other name, the safeguards in
methods of living which DR.. Russell
suggests will undoubtedly be effective.
As the condition of soil is above
all other considerations" the first
practical suggestion on selecting a
place for residence directs the home
builder to dry ground or at least the
ground where water has no chance to
stay The bottoms of gulches or val
leys should be avoided Sides of the
hills as well as small elevations at the
bottom of valleys present much better
conditions. For the leeward side of
the Islands the abundance of wild lux
uriant growth OF prickly pear is good
indication of dryness of soil and of its
fitness for human abode"
OF the two Hawaiian cities" Hilo is
considered much healthier than Homo
lulu. Our own city could be made much
healthier if the residents moved to the
hillsides rather than planting their
houses on the plains, and Dr. Russell
makes characteristic suggestion that
the Government survey its lands on the
mountain slopes back of the city and
offer the lots in free exchange for
those on the plains. We fully agree
however, that to make parks on the
hills and residence quarters on the
plains, instead of the reverse is an abb
surdity for a tropical country. 1t is
TO be hoped that the expansion of the
business portion of this city will very
soon drive our residents back to the
higher levels.
In building house, a plain struc-
ture raised from five to six feet above
the ground is recommended. Good
water supply, large verandas and mos
quito proof rooms Will also add to the
health and comfort. A well merited
condemnation is brought down upon /
cesspools as means for disposing OF
sewerage. Where there is no sewerage
system water tight box that can be
frequently carried away and emptied is
the best plan. Pools of rain 1
water in which vegetation is decaying
breed malaria. Cesspools are breed
ing places for typhoid fever germs.
This last truism cannot be placed be-
Tore the people of this city in too strong
or too convincing language. We GER
-ainly hope that the residents will wake
Up to the condition of the sanitary vol
;ano beneath them before it has broken
'ut and demonstrated its terrible latent
.orce.