Page:Face to Face With the Mexicans.djvu/575

Rh effected. I have seen some fine specimens of robust strength and health which were only gained by exercising a firm will and determination—a trying and almost impossible achievement to the invalid. While the strong and healthy American will readily accustom himself to the food, the sick naturally longs for home cooking. Occasionally a friendly countryman will have a few comforts, and such fare as is suited to the palate of the invalid, which he is generally pleased to share.

Mexican physicians, as a rule, are highly educated and accomplished men; having not only excellent advantages in the Medical School at the capital, but a large proportion being graduates of celebrated European colleges.

Consumption is not by any means confined to the stranger. It undoubtedly originates among the natives, and usually with fatal results. Another disease in this fine climate, and as much to be dreaded, is catarrh; and a simple cold soon takes this form. No class is exempt from it, and perhaps from this the custom arose of wearing the blanket, shawl, or handkerchief over the nose and mouth. That their fine air, so celebrated and lauded by visitors, should be blamed for every malady that flesh is heir to, seems a contradiction. But in this as in everything else