Nothing contributes more to health and long life than pure and good air: but by pure we are not to understand bleak; nor are aged persons at any time to chuse that kind.

It is strange so many should live to a great age in London, where the air has neither of these characters; where we breathe smoke, and the mixt stench of a thousand putrifying substances; which cannot evaporate through the thick and foul atmosphere of the place.

But though none will question the superior excellence of a clear country air, yet let not him who has attained to a healthy three-score and ten in London, think of leaving it, as a way to continue his days to a longer period. They say use is second nature. It really becomes nature itself: and bad things, to which an old man has been very long accustomed, are often better than sudden changes. It is well known, that many who have reached an uncommon date of life, have perished at last by a rash alteration in their food: and ’tis certain the air is scarce of less consequence.

He who would extend the period, and encrease the healthy condition of his days by a country air, should begin at an earlier time: when his constitution can better bear the alteration.

In regard to a choice of air, the reason we declare against that which is too bleak is plain; for bleak and cold are always found together. Cold air chills the blood; and in old men we want rather to warm it. This sharp air is natural at the tops of hills: and such situations all old men should avoid.

On the contrary, the mildest air of the country is that of vallies; sheltered by rising grounds: but this is usually damp; and more mischief may therefore arise from it than good.

The choice rests solely then upon a gentle ascent: the best place of all is toward the bottom of a piece of ground, which does not in any part rise to a very great height: and if there be a running water at the lowest part, it is so far perfect.

More than this should be consulted for the country residence of the aged man, or of any who would live to be aged. The soil is of vast consequence; and so is the exposure. A clayey bottom must be avoided; because it is always cold; and the air about it consequently raw, and damp. Rains cannot get thro’ it, and they lodge till they are evaporated; chilling the ground, and loading the air with their fatal moisture.

A clean gravel is the best soil of all. The air over this is always warm, and naturally dry; for rain soaks through it.

The north and north-east winds are the worst for old men: therefore let them shelter themselves from these by a proper choice of situation. Let the descent of the ground face the south-west; and then the natural rise behind will keep off the bleak and sharp air from the opposite quarters. This may be assisted also by plantations of trees: and thus the true seat of health and pleasure may be established; so far as these great points concern them.

He is happy who has made such a choice in time: and he’s still happier who finds himself now in good time to make it. The later such a residence is chosen, the more carefully and gradually must the owner accustom himself to it: first in summer; and by degrees; and at times, at other periods of the year. An air thus chosen, will then assist in all the great articles of health which age wants; appetite, digestion, and a free circulation.

Exercise will be easy; and it will be always pleasant in such a spot: but let this also be under the regulation of good sense. Nothing is better than walking; but let not the old man do himself more hurt, by a rash and careless indulgence in this point, than it can do him service.

Let him never enjoy the air but when it is in a condition to do him good; nor venture upon the ground but when it is fit for his feet.

No country house is without a garden; and the best part of this will be a good smooth gravel walk. Let this be open to the south-west, and well defended from the dangerous quarters. Let it be laid tolerably round, that the water may not lodge; and let it be kept well rolled, hard, and even.

In very favourable weather he may walk in pathways in the fields: but in such as is not so fair, this garden-walk will be highly useful: but let him never come upon it till the dew is off the grass; and let the setting sun be the last object he sees there: even in the best weather.

The air of early morning and of late evening are both cold and unwholesome; but some hours of the foremost part of the day, passed constantly on such a walk, will add many years to life; and what is much better, will give health with them.