A tropical climate
For a tropical climate, that of the islands may be considered healthful for people of the white race, and even for natives of northern regions visiting for the first time a tropical country if they pay ordinary attention to hygienic laws, particularly to cleanliness, and temperance in eating and drinking. In the majority of cases when foreigners suffer from change of climate in this or most other tropical countries the cause can be traced to their own imprudence and careless habits of life. The immoderate use' of fruits, although novel and delicious, particularly after a long sea voyage, should be avoided, as they tend to disarrange the gastro-intestinal functions and produce dysenteric and diarrheal diseases, which are those most to be feared by newly arrived strangers. Alcoholic liquors, if used at all, should be taken with extreme moderation. Animal foods and fats, which are heat-producing, should be used sparingly and care be taken to provide against sudden changes of temperature by proper clothing. If these precautions are followed until he becomes thoroughly acclimatized, there is no reason why any person of good constitution should not enjoy good health. Elephantiasis and leprosy prevail to some extent, and biribiri is also common and fatal among the natives. Typhoid fever is also prevalent at times, but the white inhabitants seldom suffer from it or any of the other diseases which affect the natives. This immunity is due, without doubt, to better nutrition and sanitary conditions in their dwellings. FOREST PRODUCTS In estimating the natural riches of the islands the forest growths form an important factor. Ebony, cedar, ironwood, sapan wood, logwood, and gum trees abound, and in addition to these familiar trees there are hundreds of other varieties not generally known, even by name, which produce useful and ornamental woods available for many purposes. Gutta-percha is found in some localities, and the tall and graceful cocoanut palm, Cocos nucifera, is universal and contributes in no small degree to the comfort and prosperity of the natives. Its trunk, branches, leaves, fruit, shell, and husk are all turned to account. It produces fruit when seven years old that forms an important article of diet. It is eaten when the nut is young or at that stage when the shell is just formed, in a thin layer that can be cut with a spoon. When the fruit is mature or in the condition in which it is brought to our markets, it is valued only for its oil. To obtain that, the nut is broken and the meat scooped out and boiled in a large pan. As the oil rises to the surface it is skimmed off. When first made it has a rich, sweet taste and is used for culinary purposes and hair-dressing, but after a few days it becomes rancid and is used only for lighting and lubricating. Throughout the islands it was the only substance used for lighting until the introduction of kerosene, but it is still in almost universal use by the natives, particularly in the interior, not only from motives of economy, but from its being so easily manufactured or procured.
