among the blacks in
Atlanta was 49, in Charleston 39, and in Richmond 50; while the death
rate among the whites in those cities was 19, 18 and 19,
respectively--less than one-half. This showing was not on account of
the negro's inaptitude for the climate; that is especially favorable
for him. It was in consequence of his ignorance of hygienic laws on
the one hand, and his inability or indisposition to observe them on
the other.

On several occasions, a few years since, colored missionaries for
Africa were submitted to a thorough medical examination, when it was
found that among the females but few were sound in body. Different
physicians informed us repeatedly that most negro women in this
country were in like unhealthy condition, for which ignorance,
poverty, neglect and wrong were chargeable. To avert such evils from
the coming generation is a part of the work of this Association. The
negro will never be at his best either for this country or Africa
until his physical condition is improved.

Looking at an industrial education simply from this point, much will
be found to emphasize its urgency. The colored people have been
limited to a very meagre variety of food. Pork with corn-bread
improperly prepared has been the chief staple of a majority of them.
In our different boarding institutions and in our schools for cookery
we teach that suitable food should be used and how it should be
prepared. The blacks are apt students in this department; they have
ability as cooks. The Southern country is capable of producing a
large variety of crops, and we seek to encourage such agricultural
industries as will be most helpful. At Berea a fruit-canning
establishment has been put in operation. At Tougaloo, truck is raised
for the Northern market. At Atlanta, experiments with a variety of
crops have been abundant and successful, so that by these simple
household and agricultural industries a good variety for invalids,
young children and others is being furnished. We are rendering great
service also by teaching our students to have care for the protection
of their persons. They need good houses; we teach them carpentry.
Their clothing has been limited and unsuitable. They are often
ignorant of what is required for health, and when and how to wear
their garments. We instruct them in their proper use, and how
clothing should be made. Exposure to wet and cold, over-exertion and
improper indulgences--these account largely for the dise