id="page_008"/> where the white sandstone forms extensive mural terraces along the northern borders of the vale of the Loire. At la Tranchée this rock being barely covered, and where it happens to be so to any depth, by a porous loamy and gravelly deposit only,—this fact is peculiarly and very happily demonstrated by the healthiness of the place.

CLIMATE OF TOURAINE, ETC.

A characteristic freedom from terreous moisture and aqueous exhalations, tends in no small degree to augment the natural salubrity of the Tourainean climate, and perhaps it is mainly indebted to its peculiar geological structure, which we shall presently consider more in detail, for the preference awarded to certain of its localities by invalids, over the somewhat milder but generally speaking more humid resorts of southern France.

The topographical situation also of Tours secures to it some advantageous peculiarities not possessed by many of the frequented places of the south. Pau in the south-west of France, one of its most formidable rivals, is, in consequence of its proximity to the Pyrenees, subject to considerable variations of temperature, and although a considerable distance from the coast, is very much under the influence of the Atlantic. All the changes though in some degree modified to which it gives rise extending as far as that place. These effects cannot be properly said to reach Tours, which is situated in a fine campaign country, and is at least twice the distance of Pau from the sea, or about one hundred and fifty miles; the temperature however of Tours is subject to rather frequent but decidedly not great vicissitudes, the thermometer being rarely above 80° in summer or below 40° in winter.

The comparative statements given by D^r Playfair respecting the climates of several places in the north and south of Europe, may somewhat serve to illustrate that of Tours with regard to those respective localities:[A] «The mean annual temperature of Pau is 4½° higher than that of London, and about 3° higher than that of Penzance; it is about 5° lower than that of Marsilles, Nice, and Rome, and 10° lower than that of Maderia. In winter it is 2° warmer than London, 3° colder than Penzance, 6° colder than Nice and Rome, and 18° colder than Maderia. But in spring Pau is 6° warmer than London, and 5° warmer than Penzance; only 2½° colder than Marsilles and Rome, and 7° colder than Maderia.

The range of temperature, between the warmest and coldest months at Pau is 32°; this at London, and likewise at Rome is 26°; at Penzance it is only 18°, and at Maderia 14°. The daily range of temperature at Pau is 7½°, at Penzance it is 6½°, at Nice 8½°, at Rome 11°.»

At Tours the prevailing winds are south westerly. Between however the vernal equinox (the 21^st of march and the latter part of april), easterly winds are rather frequent, but the city is pretty effectually protected from the effects of these and the north winds by the high range of country which stretches out from nearly east to west along the northern banks of the Loire. The long succession of handsome villas pleasantly situated opposite Tours at the base of these high grounds, occasionally climbing their slopes, and which are chiefly occupied by English families, being entirely protected from them.

The autumn which is peculiarly mild and may be said to be here exceedingly charming,—especially where the red tinted leaves of the vine impart a glowing richness to the vineyard clad landscape,—advances with an agreeable and smiling aspect into the more dreary month of december, when cold weather may, generally speaking, be said to have commenced; though the middle of most days is still cheered by a warm and genial sunshine. A good deal of heavy rain usually falls about the autumnal equinox, but is quickly absorbed by the porous soil and prevailing arenaceous formations of the neighbourhood, consequently, the atmosphere is particularly free from humidity.

A peculiar absence from cold winds may be strictly said to prevail the greater portion of the year, but perhaps the characteristic qualities of the climate are the equability of its seasons, and the comparative mildness of its spring. Constituting in a high degree, that healthful atmosphere so indispensable to the preservation and improvement of our native energies both physical and mental.

In all chronic pulmonary affections, the quality of the air which is inspired into the lungs is well known to be a point of the most vital consequence, and therefore invalids affected by inflammatory affections of that organ experience much benefit by repairing to a climate like this, more particularly during the vernal exacerbations of the disease. Indeed experience has proved the climate of Tours to be peculiarly efficacious in bronchial affections, being very beneficial in almost all cases of irritation of the air passages, whether or not accompanied by increased secretion.

The mild equable temperature of the Touraine climate is peculiarly adapted to afford essential relief to persons predisposed to phthisis or consumption, and those suffering from laryngeal, bronchial, and catarrhal affections, assimulating that disease. Also to invalids labouring under chronic dyspepsia, gout, and rheumatic affections, a winter's residence particularly, in Tours, has frequently proved highly serviceable, and no inconsiderable benefit is experienced by persons who have contracted local disease from a residence in a tropical or unhealthy climate.

Most of the above mentioned diseases being generally induced by a continued subjection to the suddenness and excess of atmospherical vicissitudes, and which the efforts of medicine alone too frequently fail to eradicate or alleviate, it is sufficiently evident, that a removal to localities where these causes can be in a great measure obviated, is in most cases, the more commendable course the afflicted can pursue, as the one assuredly the most calculated to expedite the remedial skill of the Physician through the renovating virtues of those powerful and efficient agents, travelling and change of air.

When it is considered how much the natural character of the subtle and elastic fluid which surrounds the earth is changed and modified in different localities by the geographical position and physical peculiarities so variously distinguishing the respective regions of the globe, it will, we trust, readily be conceived from what has been stated of such circumstances, respecting Tours and its neighbourhood, that its prevailing climatic qualities cannot fail to be of a highly healthful tendency.

Tours, we have intimated, is too remote from the Ocean, to be prejudicially affected by its mutable influences, or by the vast stream of aqueous vapours perpetually arising from the great western waters;—it is environed by moderately elevated absorbing formations,—it is situated in a broad and extensive vale, whose fertile soils are based upon a thick alluvial deposit of gravel;—while its walls are bathed by the purifying waters of a wide, rapid and limpid river.

It is from such a happy combination of natural circumstances that its atmosphere possesses the transparency and elasticity which so strikingly characterizes it; and on which of course its peculiar adaptation for the due and healthful performance of the animal functions mainly depends.

Lord Bacon thinks the best air is to be met with in open campaign countries; where the soil is dry, not parched or sandy, and spontaneously produces wild thyme, wild marjorem, and the like sweet scented plants.