ily rations, with just as much care and particularity as if he were a
mere child. He ate but two meals a day, and these were taken at _twelve_
and _six_; and then I always sat by him. I did not leave him, except for
one single meal, for a period of fifty-five days.

During the whole of this long period--long, I mean, to the patient--he
not only had no attacks of his disease, but none of the giddiness or
other symptoms which had formerly accompanied or preceded them. He did
not, it is true, gain in flesh or strength during the time. In all this
and in many more particulars he remained nearly stationary.

Towards the close of March, his friends became desirous of taking him
home. I was not without apprehension; but, hoping for the best, I
submitted to their wishes as cheerfully as I could. He was among them
for a short time; and was then, by my particular request, as well as in
conformity with his own choice, placed on a farm.

Nearly three months after his return to his friends, I received a letter
from him, which I insert here, not only as a convenient nucleus around
which to cluster certain suggestions I wish to make to the general
reader, but also as a continuation of my patient's history. It was dated
June 18, 1854.

"MY DEAR PHYSICIAN,--I am now at Mr. ----'s. Every thing
seems to be in perfect accordance with the wishes of those
who are concerned in the case. I can get as plain a diet as
I please, and have nothing, so to say, to tempt me. I
confine myself to a very small variety. I have had
strawberries ever since I came here, which was June 7th. I
eat sometimes nearly a pint at a meal. Sometimes I eat
nothing but strawberries and dry bread. I have some sugar on
the table, and sweeten the berries a little. I eat
considerable potatoe--say two or three at dinner--sometimes
a little more. I have had two dinners of asparagus, just
boiled in a little water, and poured on to some crusts of
toasted bread. It was good. I do not think I have had more
than three things set on the table for me, at a time, while
I have been here. I have bread, potatoes, and berries for
dinner. For supper I have bread and berries, and sweetened
bread, as it might be called. It is sweetened but a very
little. Now don't I live plainly.

"But I have left out some things that I have had. I had
Graham mush a few days, but I like the bread better