tubercles, the seeds of consumption. Nor, indeed is this all the advantage we gain by residence in this locality. You are possibly aware that moisture is necessary to decay, and that no animal or vegetable matter can decompose without it. On the burnt-up deserts of Arabia and arid plains of Egypt the corpes(sic) of men and animals are found dried up and withered – not decomposed. Now, recollect that the south and south-winds usually are those which bring us rain. The south wind coming over the hot sands of Arabia, imbibes water plentifully in passing over the Mediterranean sea and British Channel, the moisture being condensed on reaching this country. The south-west wind, coming from the torrid zone, deposits its rain on our northern islands. These winds, therefore, carry the chief part of their moisture over and beyond our land margin, and the sea breezes which follow these rain clouds, blowing the moisture which they may have deposited with us far inland, leave us comparatively freer than any other place from land-damp. Dr. Carpenter says “the decay of the tissues of the body which takes place with increased rapidity as disease increases and we approach death, is increased by moisture of the climate, but diminished by dryness.” These arguments only require to be known to secure to Hastings and St. Leonards that pre-eminence to which they are so justly entitled.
Poetry and Progress. For the same Institution, on the 23rd of Jan. Mr. J. Powell of Brighton delivered a lecture on “Poetry and Progress” in which he expressed his belief that a poet had considerable influence upon society, and that in the religious, political and social world, the poet had much to do in the formation of men’s opinion; also that in the carrying out of great events his influence was strongly felt. He held that the true mission of the poet was to stimulate and report progress. He strongly believed, too, that the national songs of a people were the true indicators of progress and generally of morality.
The Quarterly Meeting was held on the 1st of Feb. with Mr. J. C. Womersley in the chair. The reading of the report and the comments thereon showed that during the year there had been an increase of 84 members; that, the expenses of removal (about £60) had been paid; that the recent fête enabled them to place £25 in the Savings Bank; that half that amount had been drawn out to pay the loss on the conversazione; and that although there was a balance of over £12 in hand, it would be required for the payment of Bills.
‘Sir Walter Raleigh’. This was the subject of a lecture delivered in -
