l. Pure white is often unserviceable,
because it quickly becomes soiled, and therefore gray and tan-
colored garments are recommended.
It is easily possible to absorb too much sunshine, especially in the
lower latitudes. The various races of the earth enjoy a degree
of pigmentation of the skin corresponding to the intensity of the
sunlight in the latitude to which they have become accustomed through
the course of evolution. Equatorial races are black, far-northern races
are blonde with very fair skin, and those occupying mean latitudes are
either brown or olive-hued. Brunettes or fairly dark-complexioned white
men can stand more sunshine than the blue-eyed, fair-skinned types
of Scotland, Norway and Sweden. Where the latter are exposed to
intensely strong sunshine in latitudes further south than their natural
home, and especially when visiting the tropics, where the sun's rays
are nearly vertical, some special protection from the excessive light
is necessary. Then the upper or outer clothing should be white or
light-colored, but an undergarment of some opaque or dark-colored
material should be used to shut out the light. In the case of tropical
animals Nature provides a light-colored or tawny growth of hair,
with an underlying black or heavily pigmented skin. The white man
when in the tropics or when subject to the chemical rays of the sun in
midsummer would do well to follow Nature's example, wearing light
clothing outside with black- or orange-colored or other opaque
underwear. The hat should be white or tan or light-colored on top, but
with a dark-colored lining extending under the brim. Blonde types
spending the summer in a latitude like that of Texas or Mexico would
do well to consider these suggestions. Sunlight is essential to life.
Sun baths are invaluable and ordinarily our clothing should be such as
to permit the light to reach the skin. But when the sun's rays are
nearly vertical fair-skinned persons may easily protect themselves
and maintain comfort by following this suggestion.
As a general thing, during both winter and summer, one should wear no
more clothing than necessary, and that should be of a type to permit
easy access of air to the skin. For this reason the character of one's
underwear is important. Wool is undoubtedly warmer and more or less
suitable for exceptionally cold weather; yet for most purposes linen is
to be preferred because of its more porou
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