often cleaned. It is not possible, of course, to say
with exactness, how often, but we shall hardly err in the line of
excess. Very few wells are cleaned too often. Once a year, in ordinary
cases, cannot be too much; nor am I quite sure that twice would be
useless.

It seems to me quite possible to exclude animals from our wells, would
we but take the necessary pains; and this, too, without covering them
closely at the top. I can not see how any toad, unless it be the
tree-toad so called, could climb a well-curb three feet high. Other
animals, however, might do so, and therefore I would keep a well as
closely covered as possible.

Many, I know, believe it desirable that the surface of the water in a
well should be exposed to the air. I do not believe there is any
necessity for this, though it is certainly desirable to avoid stagnation
of the air at the bottom. Motion is essential, I might even say
indispensable. I have sometimes thought the modern endless or chain pump
as perfect a fixture as any other.

Thirdly, we may learn from the details of the foregoing chapter, the
necessity of having in our sick-chambers the right sort of nurses or
attendants. There should be a class of persons educated to this service,
as a profession; and most happily for the prospects of the great human
family, such efforts are now being made; it is hoped and believed they
will be crowned with success.

One thing more may, as I think, be inferred from the story of my
sickness as above:--the folly of multiplying physicians. In the present
case, when the physician's own family was in a condition to demand a
large share of his attention, if not to absorb all his energies, it may
have been desirable to call in an additional medical man as counsellor.
But the multiplication of counsel, besides adding to the danger of too
much dosing and drugging, brings with it a host of ills too numerous to
be mentioned in this place, and should be studiously avoided. My full
belief is, that Dr. Thornton was a principal agent in creating the
dangers he deprecated, and which came so near effecting my own
destruction.

CHAPTER XXIII.

ABOUT TO DIE OF CONSUMPTION.

I have already mentioned more than once,--or at least done so by
implication,--that I hold my existence, on this earth by a very feeble
tenure. Consumption, by right of inheritance, made very early claims;
and its demands, as I approached manhood, became more and more cogent,
in consequ