CONCERNING THE CLIMATE OF NEW MEXICO. 
By W. THORNTON PARKER, M.D, (Munich.) 
ACT. ASST. SURGEON U. S. ARMY, FORT UNION, NEW MEXICO. 
IT appears to one as if health resorts cease to be health 
resorts when they become easily accessible to in- 
valids. Take for instance, the State of Minnesota, so 
celebrated as a sanitarium in its early days, when com- 
paratively inaccessible, but since it is possible to reach it so 
easily, its fame has disappeared—the bubble has burst. The 
great increase of population, the destruction of forest, the 
damming of streams, the upheaval of the soil, these and 
other causes have tended to injure its reputation as a 
health resort. 
The genuine health resort must be able to sustain its 
reputation for many years. In looking back at regions 
formerly known as health resorts, how few of them are 
recognized in the true sense of the term, at the present 
time. Physicians are constantly urging patients to places 
remote, wild, and unsettled. One prominent Eastern phy- 
sician in one morning ordered patients to the following 
places : One to Colorado, one to New Mexico, one to the 
Adirondacks, one to the South, and another to Davos 
Platz ; actually priding himself upon the diversity of places 
selected, and the tremendous distances these unfortunates 
would be obliged to travel. The rashness with which phy- 
sicians without any personal knowledge, only from hear- 
Reprinted from the Archives of Medicine, Vol. xii., No. 2, Oct., 1884. 2 
THE CLIMATE OF NEW MEXICO. 
say, send patients great distances is a disgrace to the 
medical profession, and ought to be stopped. How any man 
lacking practical information concerning health resorts can 
unreservedly recommend them and risk what remains of 
comfort and even life, is a stumbling block for any well- 
thinking man. Practical personal knowledge is as necessary 
for the climatologist as it is for the therapeutist or the 
surgeon. It is the well-known custom of general practitioners 
to refuse to attend cases suffering from severe disease of the 
eye. Why? Simply because they have not sufficient 
practical knowledge of the subject to treat the patient 
successfully, and do not care to hazard their own reputa- 
tion or the safety of the patient by attempting it. In the 
case of one consulting the average practitioner for change 
of climate, little hesitation is shown in giving advice which 
may prove a total wreck to the prospects of the unfortunate 
sufferer. The importance of careful selection of climate in 
the treatment of pulmonary and other diseases cannot be 
over-estimated. In the Sanitarian for May, 1882, I have 
undertaken to give some practical information concerning 
health resorts, writing only of places I have frequently 
visited and carefully investigated. It is the intention of 
this paper to attempt some information concerning the 
climate of New Mexico. The sections of the Territory of 
which I will write are the neighborhoods of Fort Union, Las 
Vegas, and Santa F6, in the northern central portions, and 
Forts Selden and Bayard in the south. Although these 
places are widely separated, the climate is very much the 
same throughout the Territory, the mildness of the winter 
of course increasing as one proceeds south. 
“New Mexico is situated in latitude 31 degrees, 21 min- 
utes and 37 degrees north ; longitude, 103 degrees and 109 
degrees west. It contains an area of 121,201 square miles. 
Large spurs, branching out from the Rocky Mountains, W. THORNTON PARKER. 
3 
traverse the Territory from north to south, reaching in 
many instances an elevation of from 10,000 to 12,000 feet. 
Immense prairies, between these spurs, form the principal 
features of New Mexican topography.” 1 
“ The rest of the country2 is a broad expanse of rolling 
meadow land, at an elevation varying from 7,000 to 6,000 
feet, sloping off toward the south, and decreasing in eleva- 
tion down to 3,000 feet above sea level. Away from the 
general range, mountains, valleys, and plains are more or 
less abruptly intermingled. In the words of Dr. Bizzell, 
‘ Rapid transition and great diversity of elevation, contain- 
ing within its border deep valleys, gorges, and cafions, 
associated with mountains and elevated and more or less 
arid plains.’ 
“The soil is, of course, a porous one, as is the case 
throughout the Rocky Mountain region. 
“ Water courses are few and far between. Such creeks as 
there are, all have their fountain-heads in the regions of 
eternal snow. The water is clear and supposedly chemi- 
cally pure, being largely melted snow. Temperature of 
mountain-stream water about 58° F. 
“ Vegetation is as spare as it is in Northern Colorado, not- 
withstanding the more southern latitude. The pine growths 
of the mountains and mountain plateaux are not sufficiently 
dense to impregnate the air with terebinthine odors, and 
thus to be considered as a direct antiseptic agent for con- 
tinuous inhalation.” 
ELEVATION. 
“ Every degree of altitude is represented, from 3,000 feet 
to 8,000 feet and over. The Atchison, Topeka, and Santa 
F£ Railroad traverses the Territory from north to south. 
Along its line have grown up the principal towns and settle- 
1 Circular issued by A., T., & St. Fe R. R. 
1 Dr. Tyndale in Boston Med. and Surg. Journal, vol. 108, 1883, p. 265 and 
p- 313- 4 
THE CLIMA TE OF NE W MEXICO. 
ments, representing all the above elevations. Travelling 
through Kansas on the same road it became clear to my 
mind that coming from the east through that State, and 
passing through New Mexico from north to south, an 
invalid is enabled to make a slow journey, beginning at a 
comparatively low altitude in Kansas, and travelling west- 
ward, to gradually ascend, until an elevation of from 6,000 to 
7,000 feet is reached. This may be accomplished without 
deviating from a straight course westward, and yet to stop 
at towns of such size as to afford the necessary comforts of 
life, good food, society, medical attendance, and other 
things pertaining to civilization. To illustrate this I will 
give the name of such places, together with their elevations, 
from east to west on the railroad. 
“ In Kansas; Topeka, 904 feet; Emporia, 1,161 feet; New- 
ton, 1,433 feet; Larned, 2,015 feet; Kinsley, 2,207 feet; 
Dodge City, 2,499 feet ; Lakin, 3,020 feet. 
“ In Colorado: Las Animas, 3,959 feet ; La Junta, 4,117 
feet; Trinidad, 6,034 feet. 
“ In New Mexico : Las Vegas, 6,452 feet; Santa F6, 7,013. 
“ Beginning in the south, at the junction of the Territory 
of New Mexico with Old Mexico and the State of Texas, 
the figures run upwards toward the north to Raton, near 
the Colorado line, as follows: 
“ El Paso, 3,662 feet; La Mesilla, 3,844 feet; Socorro, 4,665 
feet; Silver City, 5,890 feet (not reached by rail) ; Albu- 
querque, 5,006 feet; Las Vegas,6,452 feet; Raton,7,861 feet.” 
The first section of New Mexico interesting to the health- 
seeker is Fort Union, and it would be impossible to describe 
it better than Dr. Gardner, U. S. Army, who was stationed 
here, and experienced its trying effects on the newly-arrived. 
The first days and weeks are in many cases spent in suf- 
fering ; the altitude is distressing, the constant wind and 
dust wearying, the tough, disagreeable meat and wretched IV. THORNTON PARKER. 
5 
food and water simply discouraging, and one is forced to 
ask the question in despair: What am I here for? After a 
while these disagreeable impressions wear off, and man, who 
can accommodate himself to almost any thing in this world, 
begins to forget his discomforts here, or else to determine 
to ignore them. Occupation will help to do this, and the 
summer weather will help to lull one’s fears ; but when 
February and March arrive the situation is indeed a serious 
one, and every protection and possible comfort is needed to 
carry the invalid or delicate person through safely until 
June. The experience of Dr. Gardner was much like that 
which I went through with after my arrival at Fort Union, 
and for some weeks afterward. It has been the experience 
of others of my acquaintance, and it must be the lot of 
many to suffer in the same way. The climate of Fort 
Union is supposed to be changing, and undoubtedly it is, 
as well as other sections of our country. The town of 
Watrouse, New Mex., eight miles south of Fort Union, 
would furnish very simple accommodations for summer 
residents, but could not be recommended at all in winter. 
The inhabitants are mostly Mexicans, and life would be 
very dull and monotonous. At Fort Union itself no 
accommodations could be furnished, there being neither 
hotel, or residents who are not connected with the military 
post. 
“ Fort Union 1 is situated in a narrow valley on the eastern 
slope of the Rocky Mountains, and is about 6,835 feet 
above the level of the sea. The soil around it is com- 
posed of fine sand, with a slight admixture of yellowish 
clay, and is underlaid by trap-rock and irregular beds of 
dark lava, which have apparently overflowed from a volcano 
now extinct, about thirty miles to the northward of the 
Post. 
1 Dr. W. H. Gardner, U. S. Army, cited in “Circular No. 8,” S. G. O., 
1875. P- 303. 6 
THE CLIMATE OF NEW MEXICO. 
“Wind from some quarter is almost constant, and the soil 
being light and sandy, is blown about in clouds of blinding, 
suffocating dust, that irritates the air passages, and is the 
prevalent cause of catarrhs, pharyngitis, and bronchitis. 
“ The diurnal variation in temperature is very great, the 
thermometer frequently showing at 6 A. M. but 6o°, and at 
2 P. M. 970 ; even in midsummer nights one or more blankets 
are always comfortable to sleep under. 
“ Now, from the foregoing causes, viz.: the high elevation, 
the constant winds, the suffocating dust storms, and the 
great diurnal variation in temperature, I do not believe this 
Post can be favorable for any kind of lung disease, and 
though my medical experience here is limited, I believe it 
will point to the same conclusion. 
“ The question of increased altitude as a source of disease 
has been one of great interest to me personally, and as 
I suffered as much from it myself as any other case I have 
seen, I will give you the history of my own case. Shortly 
after arriving at the Post I was attacked with a fulness 
of the head, ringing in the ears, mental hebitude, and con- 
fusion of ideas, dizziness, and headache. Thinking these 
symptoms might be caused by constipation, dyspepsia, 
or torpidity of the liver, I took a mercurial purgative, and 
followed it up with a dose of Rochelle salts, which relieved 
the fulness of oppression for a day or two, but it at once re- 
turned, the dizziness and confusion of ideas increased, and a 
feeling of numbness and tingling commenced in the fingers 
of the left hand and gradually spread until it involved 
the whole left side, even the muscles of the tongue being 
involved in the paralysis so that I could not articulate. 
There was also oppression of breathing, throbbing of the 
carotids, and slight dilation of the pupils. The only 
medicine handy at the time of the first attack was a bottle 
of chloroform ; and thinking the symptoms might be due to W. THORNTON PARKER. 
7 
spasm of the cerebral or pulmonary veins, I poured a dram 
or two on my handkerchief and inhaled it, when the 
disagreeable symptoms promptly subsided. The next day, 
on my visit to Dr. Moffat, of our corps, (who you will recol- 
lect was lying here disabled with a broken leg) I told him of 
my troubles, and he thought they were due to malarial 
poisoning, and advised me to commence a course of quinia 
and arsenic, which I at once did, taking twelve grains of 
quinia and of a grain of arsenic each day. But in the 
course of five or six days, while under the full influence of 
these medicines, I had another attack, in all respects similar 
to the first, coming on after a hearty dinner, which was re- 
lieved by a prompt emetic. Shortly after this second 
attack I was sent for to attend a case of midwifery at Mora 
(a little town in the mountains, fifteen miles northwest of the 
Post and about 400 feet higher in altitude), and while there 
alone I had another attack more severe and prolonged than 
the other two, and upon this occasion I certainly thought 
there would be another vacancy in the Medical Corps 
to fill, for I took emetics, bromide of potassium, and chloro- 
form ad nauseam without the least effect. 
“The symptoms went off before morning, but when I 
got back to the post I brought the Darwinian theory to 
bear on the case. If the environment of an animal be 
suddenly changed and the animal does not change its 
habits to suit its environment it will be speedily eliminated. 
The only radical change in environment I could detect here 
was decreased atmospheric pressure from increased altitude 
and consequently deficient oxygenation of the blood. The 
indication, therefore, was either to supply the deficiency 
of oxygen to the blood or to reduce the volume of blood to 
the decreased amount of oxygen. The latter alternative 
seemed the easiest and the most certain. I therefore 
decreased the amount of my nitrogenous food, and made up 8 
THE CLIMA TE OF NE W MEXICO. 
the quantity by laxative vegetables and fruits, and have 
been in good health ever since. I have seen two cases 
since, in every respect similar to mine, and they have 
promptly succumbed to the treatment indicated : that is, 
decreasing the amount of blood to the decreased amount 
of oxygen, by cathartics and decreased animal food. 
“One question I should like to add before closing: Are 
adobe quarters productive of rheumatism ? I believe they 
are a fruitful source not only of rheumatism, but sciatica, 
and other forms of neuralgia.” 
Such is the description given by Dr. Gardner, and his ex- 
periences will be repeated very often, I have no doubt. 
The following table from the Post Hospital records may 
prove interesting, showing the even ranges of temperature 
for the years 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, and 1884. 
Mean temperature for January 39.37 Max. 68 Min. 5 
“ February no observations taken (Steward absent). 
“ March 39.83 Max. 68 Min. 10 
“ “ “ April 51.49 “ 74 “ 14 
“ “ “ May 60.59 “ 84 “ 29 
“ “ “ June 69.97 “ 91 “ 32 
“ “ “ July 67.76 “ 92 “ 48 
“ “ “ August 65.03 “ 84 “ 41 
“ “ “ September 59.76 “ 80 “ 24 
“ “ “ October 47.84 “ 78 “ 13 
“ “ “ November 29.72 “ 69 “ 15 
“ “ “ December 33.49 “ 68 “ 11 
FORT UNION, NEW MEXICO.—1880. 
FORT UNION, NEW MEXICO.—1881. 
Mean temperature for January 26.25 Max. 62 Min. 25 
“ “ “ February 34.68 “ 67 “ 21 
“ “ “ March 37-77 “ 69 “ 2 
“ “ “ April 52.86 “ 75 “ 5 
“ “ May 60.33 “7b “ 28 
“ “ “ June 73.77 “ 94 “ 45 
“ “ “ July 71.24 “ 96 “ 45 
“ “ “ August 66.80 “ 84 “ 40 
“ “ “ September 59.85 “ 84 “ 25 
“ “ “ October 50.47 “ 79 “ 18 
“ “ “ November 33.27 “ 58 “ 5 
“ “ December 37.16 “ 70 “ o W. THORNTON PARKER. 
9 
FORT UNION, NEW MEXICO.—1882. 
Mean temperature for January • 29.86 Max. 66 Min. 11 
“ “ “ February 36.44 “ 62 “ o 
“ “ “ March 41.71 “ 74 “ 12 
“ “ “ April 47.98 “ 80 “ 5 
“ “ “ May 52.61 “ 79 “ 23 
“ “ “ June 65.38 “ 91 “ 32 
“ “ “ July 68.58 “ 92 “ 40 
“ “ “ August 65.79 “ 89 “ 36 
“ “ “ September 60.84 “ 83 “ 21 
“ October 51.38 “ 76 “ 14 
“ November 37.40 “ 75 “ 4 
“ “ “ December 33.01 “ 66 “ 10 
FORT UNION, NEW MEXICO.—1883. 
Mean temperature for January 29 Max. 61 Min. 30 
“ “ “ February 32 “ 62 “ 7 
“ “ “ March 43 “ 71 “ 10 
“ “ “ April 47 “ 75 “ 9 
“ “ “ May 58 “ 85 “ 21 
“ “ June 68 “ 95 “ 30 
“ July 69 “90 “ 44 
“ “ “ August 66 “ 85 “ 42 
“ “ September 60 “ 86 “ 27 
“ “ “ October 48 “ 75 “ 15 
“ “ “ November 41 “71 “5 
“ “ “ December 34 “69 “2 
FORT UNION, NEW MEXICO.—1884. 
Mean temperature for January 31.56 Max. 65 Min. 13 
“ “ “ February 34.75 “ 67 “ 21 
“ “ “ March 3930 “63 “9 
“ “ April 43.61 “ 72 “ 15 
“ “ “ May “ “ 
“ “ “ June 
“ “ “' July “ “ 
“ “ “ August 
“ “ “ September 
“ “ “ October 
“ “ “ November “ “ 
“ “ “ December 
The total rain and snow fall for Fort Union for the years 
1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, were as follow:— 
1880, . . 19 inches, 1882, . . 9.41 inches. 
1881, . . 22 “ 1883, • • M-50 “ 
Concerning the dryness of New Mexico the average hu- 10 
THE CLIMA TE OF NEIV MEXICO. 
midity is about 38$, while in the following States and lo- 
calities it is as follows : 1 
“ New England States, 75$, Middle Atlantic States, 74$, 
South Atlantic States, 79%, Gulf States, 82$, Lower Lake 
region, 70%, Upper Lake region, 70%, Ohio Valley, Tennes- 
see, and the Northwest, 71%, Lower Mississippi Valley, 58$, 
Denver, Colorado, 42$.” 
The “rainy season ” commences in June and lasts through 
the summer and fall. By rainy season we refer to occa- 
sional showers perhaps daily for a week or so. Now and 
then a terrific hail storm will rage for a short time, 
followed by rainy and cool weather. May 31st, a severe 
hail storm visited this Post smashing hundreds of panes 
of glass and doing considerable damage otherwise. The 
hail stones were very large, some quite the size of eggs. 
The houses were flooded with water, and it was very cold 
for a week or two, fires being necessary in all the rooms. 
From the middle of June the sun shines with intense force, 
making out of doors occupation almost impossible, but, 
strange to say, cases of sunstroke almost never occur. The 
constant wind in New Mexico is a great protection to those 
who are exposed to the strong rays of the summer heat. 
About three or four o’clock in the afternoon clouds will ap- 
pear, followed by wind or rain, and the evening and nights 
are cold. These sudden changes, together with the action 
of the water, excite a loose condition of the bowels, and 
diarrhoea, and even dysentery are of frequent occurrence. 
The high altitude affects most people very unpleasantly, at 
least for a time, and many suffer until they leave the country. 
“ Nervousness,” neuralgias, and all heart-trouble seem to in- 
crease. A strong desire to sleep, but awakening without 
much sensation of refreshment, if any. Weariness, languor, 
confusion of ideas, inability for exertion, or study, depres- 
'Circular A., T., & St. Fe R. R., concerning New Mexico. IV. THORNTON PARKER. 
11 
sion of spirits, almost to despair, are common ailments due 
to this climate and elevation. Fast walking and running are 
out of the question, and troops are not allowed to be 
drilled in the “ double quick.” Loss of appetite, indiges- 
tion, dyspepsia, and biliousnes show that the intestinal tract 
is affected by the change. Colds, catarrh, etc., are very 
prevalent ; and pneumonia is rapidly and generally fatal. 
The houses are mostly built of “adobe,” sun-burnt brick, 
and are cold and chilly, except in the hottest weather. 
Rheumatism on this account is very prevalent and severe. 
Glandular inflammations are common. Simple adenitis of 
the groin, without apparent cause, is very common. 
If I may be pardoned in this paper for mentioning servants, 
I would say that it is almost impossible to get any, and ladies 
coming from the East and attempting housekeeping without 
servants soon lose health and strength, if they are not perma- 
nently aged or completely broken down. From amongst 
the lazy, shiftless population of natives it is quite impossi- 
ble to obtain help, and ordinary “niggers,” who would not 
be tolerated in well-regulated eastern homes, receive from 
twenty-five to thirty dollars a month and are hard to find 
at that. 
All living expenses are very high, and life at best is per- 
plexing, discouraging, joyless, and tends to despair. There 
is nothing to cheer or to interest one. Even the bravest, 
who shot off with many plans and energetic promises, soon 
fall off into the dreary humdrum struggle for an existence. 
The desperate character of many of the inhabitants forbids 
a moderate investment in either cattle, mines, or farms, and 
the country is so covered with Spanish land grants that it is 
hard to obtain any just title. The whole region has, in my 
opinion, been over-estimated in every particular. It cannot 
be claimed that I have any interest in making these state- 
ments, which seem anything but complimentary. I am not 12 
THE CLIMATE OF NEW MEXICO. 
a discouraged adventurer here, neither have I any reason to 
speak ill of the land in an unkind spirit. I endeavor in this 
paper to do my duty in explaining, as fully as I am able, to 
the many in the East who may be ordered here and tempted 
to come for health and life, the state of affairs they must 
expect to find. Leaving comfortable homes and loved 
friends to come out to this wild, semi-civilized, inhospitable 
region, to spend all their money and hope, and at last to 
go back discouraged and weakened, or to be returned dead. 
Many undoubtedly come here too late, some come and are 
benefited, but, alas ! how few, and at sacrifices which make 
life itself an expensive luxury. For the wife or mother 
struggling here with such patients to take care of, the 
blame for ordering the family out West to New Mexico, if 
it is to be placed on any one’s shoulders, must be, or ought 
to be, a heavy load to carry. Some, discouraged and rapidly 
sinking, hasten home with wife and children, and die on the 
cars. Consider for one moment the anguish of death in 
such a position, and the difficulties of widow and children, 
cut off from the consolations and assistance of friends, per- 
haps without money, and at the mercy often of unprin- 
cipled scoundrels. It may happen some true-hearted man 
is at hand to help honorably, but, alas, it is not always, if 
even occasionally, the case. The death of patients amongst 
strangers is always hard, even at our health resorts in older 
lands—imagine for a moment the sickening experience in 
the wilds! 
There is, however, one feature of New Mexican life which 
is to be remembered, and that is the glorious sunshine. 
Even in the midst of depressing, demoralizing dust storms, 
the sun shines out to encourage and cheer and show us that 
the God of nature still reigns. Then, too, the snow-capped 
peaks of the “ Rockies,” rising to a grand height, add 
beauty to the scene, and form a striking frame-work to the IV. THORNTON PARKER. 
13 
picture of this wild land. The early mornings are beauti- 
ful, and the refreshing evenings are thoroughly enjoyed. 
If it were not for the blinding dust storms, which suffo- 
cate and make facing them while walking or riding well- 
nigh impossible, there would be much to admire ; but the 
dust destroys all hope of falling in love with the country, and 
when this, the greatest evil, is added to all the others I have 
mentioned, life in New Mexico has verily few attractions. 
The poverty-stricken soil is so seldom refreshed with rain 
that the cultivation of vegetables is almost impossible, and 
those to be obtained from the Mexicans are miserable and 
very expensive. The meat is generally poor and tasteless. 
The winters draw so heavily upon the sustaining powers of 
the cattle, that during a greater portion of the year they are 
poor and tough and not fit to eat, although they are sup- 
plied as food, and no other meat is obtainable except a 
little mutton, as miserable as the beef. Poultry is very 
hard to find, and of an inferior quality. 
Probably the pleasantest spot in the whole Territory, and 
the healthiest, unless we except Santa Fe, is the Las Vegas 
Hot Springs region. The Springs are beautifully situated 
about seven miles from the town of Las Vegas (the mead- 
ows) at the entrance to the Gallenas cafion. They are set in 
the midst of the foothills so cosily that violent wind and 
dust storms lose most if not all their tormenting power. 
The altitude of the Springs is six thousand seven hundred 
feet above the level of the sea. 
The Springs are easily reached by a branch of the Atchi- 
son, Topeka & Santa F£ R. R., and the ride from Las Vegas 
is indeed a pleasant one. The railroad company, with con- 
siderable enterprise, have spent large sums of money in mak- 
ing improvements, and few places west of the Missis- 
sippi can boast so many attractions. Dr. Gordon, lately of 
the United States Army, is located permanently at the 14 
THE CLIMATE OF NEW MEXICO. 
Springs, and patients sent to his care will receive the best 
professional attention possible. There are from thirty to 
forty of these celebrated springs, situated at the base of a 
foot-hill sloping down into the Gallenas river. 
“ In their thermal properties they are divided into two 
classes: One including springs of a temperature from one 
hundred and twenty degrees F. to one hundred and forty 
degrees F. ; the other springs varying from seventy-five de- 
grees to one hundred degrees F. There are thirty of the 
former and ten of the latter. 
“ Twenty-five of the principal springs have been excavated, 
so as to form reservoirs, and have been walled and covered 
with the native red sandstone. Many of the springs are 
not at present required for the bath-house supply. A sin- 
gle spring, No. 6, furnishes, alone, thirty thousand gallons 
of water daily, at a temperature of one hundred and forty 
degrees F. 
“ The warm springs flow from these basins or reservoirs 
direct into the bath-houses, while the cooler ones run into 
large tanks upon the hillside, and are thence conducted 
into the bath-houses to furnish cold water as required. 
“The skin after taking a bath in these waters has a soft 
velvety feeling and a freshness of aroma savoring of the 
cosmetic.” 1 
These baths furnished at the Las Vegas Hot Springs are 
supposed to be beneficial especially in rheumatic, scrofulous, 
and other affections, and are useful in many forms of skin 
diseases. There are two bath-houses, one for the ordinary 
hot, cold, and vapor baths, well arranged and very comfort- 
able, and the other a rudimentary affair for mud-bathing. 
The main bath-house is built of stone, and is really a hand- 
some structure, two stories high and two hundred feet long 
by forty-two feet wide. 
1 Circular, A., T., & Santa Fe R. R. W. THORNTON EARNER. 
15 
The bath-rooms are in the lower story, the upper being 
occupied by the offices of the physicians, drug-store, post- 
office, bath-office, etc. The bath attendants are at present 
excellent, and have been carefully selected. It is claimed 
that the entire capacity of both bath-houses is 1,000 baths 
per day, but of course the number of bathers do not require 
so much attendance as yet.1 
Separate apartments with complete bathing apparatus are 
furnished those suffering with contagious diseases. 
The baths are given at a temperature of from 90° to ioo°. 
The mud baths given at these springs are similar to the 
celebrated peat baths of Franzensbad, Bohemia. “ The per- 
colation of chemical water for centuries through the earth sur- 
rounding these springs has produced this peat, or mud. 
Viewed under the microscope it appears gelatinous, its 
earthly properties having undergone a change.” 
The average temperature of the mud bath is about 1080. 
One hundred and six degrees is probably the best, and is 
very agreeable. 
The average duration of the bath is one hour, but the 
time may vary from thirty minutes to three hours. One 
bath is usually taken each day. Upon leaving the tub the 
patient is washed off thoroughly under a graduated douche, 
and after being “ hosed off,” is then rubbed down clean and 
dry, and placed on a comfortable couch in the “ resting 
room ” for half an hour. The bath is supposed to act like 
Shampoo baths . . . Each . . . . . . $i oo 
Electric ..... i oo 
Medicated “ . . . . . “ . . . . . .100 
Vapor “....“ 75 
Vapor and pack baths . . . “ . . . . . . 1 00 
Tub baths .....“ ..... 50 
“ and pack baths . . . “ . . . . . . 75 
Mud baths, singly ... “ ..... 3 00 
“ “ three for $5 00 ; five for $8 00 ; seven for $10 00, and 
ten for . . . . . . . . . . 12 50 
Special treatment, Massage ........ 7 00 
Massage at time of taking bath ........ 50 
Bathing hours, 6 A. M. to 6 p. M. 
On Saturdays, bathing hours 6 A. M. to 10 P. M. 
1 The baths, including attendance, towels, etc., cost as follows : 16 
THE CLIMATE OF NEW MEXICO. 
a huge poultice, extracting by free diaphoretics, or sweating, 
diseases that have baffled skilful physicians both at home 
and abroad. The pack and massage are often ordered to 
follow the mud baths as a re-inforcer. 
In preparing the mud baths, the mud is first freed from 
all foreign substances, such as sticks, stones, etc. Each tub 
is then half filled with mud, and mixed up with the warm 
spring water, to the consistency of paste. The bath is 
warmed up by steam at bathing time to the required de- 
gree of heat ordered by the physician in charge of the 
patient. Every five days fresh mud is ordered, and the old 
mud cleared out. It is amusing in passing through the bath- 
house to read the labels. Mr. S.’s mud : Rev. Mr. D.’s 
mud ; Mrs. A.’s mud, and so on. The boxes look like coffins, 
and the bather is held down in the tub by a board placed 
across the chest and firmly fastened down ; otherwise he 
will rise on top of the mud. It is said that at first ladies 
shrink from entering the repulsive stuff, and can hardly be 
forced to do so ; but having once enjoyed the bath, it is 
hard to keep them away from it ! 
At the Hot Springs there are several local attractions in 
connection with the hotels—museum of antiquities, aviary, 
zoological collection, etc., besides a large green-house, well 
filled with floral and variegated plants. The hotels at the 
Springs are in postal, telephonic, and telegraphic connection 
with Las Vegas and .the outside world. The hotel rates 
are from $3 to $4 per day—$17 50 to $24 a week. There 
are several cottages upon the grounds where private board 
at reasonable prices can be obtained. 
The next most desirable residence for the temporary 
visitor to New Mexico if not altogether the best place in 
many respects, is the old city of Santa F6. It is at first a 
forbidding place but one learns to like it, and although the 
native inhabitants are mostly dirty uninteresting people, IV. THORNTON PARKER. 
17 
really delightful society is to be found in Santa F£ the year 
round. Living expenses are high in Santa F6 as elsewhere 
in the West, and servants few and hard to find—but com- 
pared with all the other towns in New Mexico, Santa Fe 
is certainly the most comfortable. The same climatic 
advantages and drawbacks exist here as at Las Vegas and 
Fort Union and other New Mexican towns. 1 attach to 
this paper another report from the “ Army Records ” show- 
ing the characteristics of the climate and some of its dis- 
advantages : 
“ The city of Santa Fe1 is pleasantly situated on an exten- 
sive plateau on the western slope of the Rocky Mount- 
ains at an elevation of 6,850 feet above the level of the sea, 
and in latitude 350 41' north, longitude 28° 59' west. To 
the north and east rise the foot-hills and peaks of the Rocky 
Mountain range ; on the south the plateau is gradually lost 
in spurs of mountains shooting out of the main range, and 
on the west it terminates somewhat abruptly in the valley 
of the Rio Grande. * * * Fort Union is distant 
about 100 miles to the eastward. * * * To the 
south runs the main road to Albuquerque and Southern 
New Mexico, and less important roads to the neighboring 
towns. The Rio Grande runs in a southwesterly direction 
from Santa F£ about eighteen or twenty miles distant at 
the nearest point. A small mountain stream—a tributary 
of the Rio Grande—called the Rio de Santa F6 nearly bi- 
sects the town. The soil of Santa Fe and vicinity is 
dry, light, and sandy and yet very fruitful. The country 
for miles about Santa Fe is destitute of trees. The large 
growth is said to have been cut away at an early date in the 
history of "the place for fuel and for better security against 
hostile Indians, and a subsequent growth of large trees has 
1 Information concerning Santa He, New Mexico, furnished in “Circular No. 
8,” Surgeon-General’s Office, by Surgeons Alexander and Huntington, United 
States Army. 18 
THE CLIMATE OF NEW MEXICO. 
not appeared, though stunted cedars and pines are very- 
common. This want of vegetation detracts much from the 
natural beauties of the town and vicinity. On the hills 
toward the mountains are found large pines and cedars. 
The pifion, a species of pine, furnishes the almost sole sup- 
ply of fire-wood. It is brought for miles on the backs 
of donkeys, and sold by the load in the plaza at from twenty- 
five cents to one dollar, according to the season of the year 
or severity of the weather. The natural drainage of Santa 
F6 is excellent, and is materially assisted by an extensive 
system of acequias or canals around the town. Still, little 
attention is paid to the subject and many of the narrow 
streets and lanes of the city are excessively filthy. The 
river water is very extensively used for drinking purposes 
and is excellent. Good water, but a little impregnated 
with lime, may be obtained by wells at a depth of from ten 
to forty feet. 
“The population of Santa F6 is about 6,000, of which 
the larger portion is Mexican and Indian, or an admix- 
ture of the two. The American element is rapidly increas- 
ing and already has the chief influence in matters of trade 
and politics. 
“ The place is irregularly built of adobe, and when seen 
from the approaches of the town has an exceedingly un- 
inviting appearance. The houses are generally built on the 
Spanish plan, a quadrangle with an interior court yard, the 
entrance being through a gateway generally kept closed. 
The older portions of the town are built upon narrow lanes 
and passage-ways rather than upon streets. The better por- 
tion is the more recent, and is inhabited by the American 
residents. The plaza holds a conspicuous place as a business 
centre and about it are the civil and military offices.” 
To the excellent description from which I have just 
quoted is appended a communication from Dr. Smith, IV. THORNTON PARKER. 
19 
of the United States Army concerning the climate of Santa 
F£ for invalids. His remarks are very valuable and should 
be given considerable weight in selecting this climate for 
pulmonary patients. 
“ From an experience of fourteen months and upon 
rational grounds, I cannot coincide in the popular belief 
that Santa F6 and the contiguous localities, of equal or 
superior altitude, are well adapted as a residence for persons 
suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis, heart disease, or any 
cause producing obstruction to free and ample respiration. 
The universal testimony is, so far as I can ascertain, that a 
stranger to the rarefied atmosphere, however sound his pul- 
monary and circulatory organs may be, is almost invariably 
affected by a great oppression in respiration upon his 
advent into this elevated country, accompanied naturally 
by an unwonted lassitude and indisposition for exertion. 
“ There have been in the case of two or three of my ac- 
quaintances ugly symptoms of a partial paralysis of the or- 
gans of locomotion and speech. A continued residence, 
however, is said to overcome these unpleasant effects in 
persons of sound and robust health, and from the number of 
Americans and Germans residing in the higher regions of 
New Mexico, who transact their business at no small ex- 
penditure of physical exertion, I believe this to be the case, 
and that in time an accommodation obtains between the 
lungs and the somewhat diminished quantity of oxygen. 
“ As regards the invalid, whose breathing apparatus is 
crippled by tubercular deposit, by chronic pneumonia, or 
whose blood, whatever may be the cause, requires full aera- 
tion, I deem it worse than useless for him to endeavor to re- 
gain health or even comfort in such localities. I regard my 
lungs (and my chest measurement is forty-four inches) as 
perfectly sound, and yet, after reporting for duty in Santa 
Fe, I could not, as a general rule, breathe comfortably, al- 20 
THE CLIMATE OF NEW MEXICO. 
though at times, when a damp atmosphere prevailed, I 
could not notice any impediment to respiration. The past 
summer (1874) was exceptionally warm and I was at inter- 
vals asthmatic to a terrible degree, crushed actually by a 
feeling of impending dissolution. The common advice to 
me was ‘Wear it out; you will be all right next year.’ No 
sooner, however, had I started East than my troubles, as I 
descended in altitude, lessened proportionably.” 
The places south of Santa Fe in my opinion become less 
and less desirable, although one seeking a very mild winter 
climate might try Silver City if suitable accommodations 
could be found. For a single man a certain kind of living 
might be put up with for a time, but for the invalid, or for 
an Eastern family used to comforts and even luxuries of 
life, a residence further south than Santa Fd or Albuquerque 
is, in my opinion, undesirable. The Rio Grande valley has 
some advantages in its mild winter and absence of snow. 
The summers are said to be cool and pleasant, but when I 
rode through on horseback in 1867 I found the climate hot 
enough. The best opinion concerning the climate is to be 
found in the reports of the medical officers to the Surgeon- 
General’s office and those on Fort Selden and Fort Bayard 
now presented. The climate was the same then as now and 
the officers who made the reports did so only after careful 
investigation. 
“Circular No. 8, Surgeon-General’s Office, Fort Selden, New 
Mexico.” Report of Dr. Jessop, U. S. Army : 
“ Fort Selden is situated on a sandy basin one and one half miles 
from the Rio Grande, in southern New Mexico. Latitude $2°25' 
north ; longitude 30° west ; altitude 4,250 feet. Fort Cummings, 
fifty-five miles west—Fort Bliss, Texas, sixty-seven miles south 
(nearest town La Mesilla). 
“ Lung troubles are comparatively rare at Fort Selden, as are 
all diseases of the respiratory organs, excepting catarrh, which I 
prefer to consider separately from bronchitis, as it mostly affects 
the mucous membranes of the nares, tonsils, and larynx, and, I IV. THORNTON PARKER. 
21 
think, seldom extends even to the trachea. It seems to be pro- 
duced by the almost constant drifting of the irritating dust pecul- 
iar to this region, and few new-comers who are much exposed in 
the open air escape it. It gradually wears off as they become ac- 
climated. Women, from their in-doors habits, are usually freer 
from it. The native New Mexicans are not at all affected by it. 
Many of them, however, suffer from a form of bronchitis, induced 
it is thought, by their peculiar fashion of smoking the cigarita, 
i. e., by inhaling the smoke into their bronchial tubes and exhaling 
through their nostrils. The climate of this part of the valley of 
the Rio Grande will improve and probably tend to the cure of 
many patients afflicted with commencing phthisis, but only by a 
residence here, not a sojourn of a few months. I think I am 
within the mark in stating that it will take from eighteen months 
to two years to acclimate them. To those in advanced stages of 
consumption, no such benefit can accrue. Added to the annoy- 
ance of the dust-storms, are the distance from home and the im- 
possibility of obtaining many of the comforts, and especially the 
varieties in food, which the sick always crave. The prognosis is 
extremely serious if diarrhoea be a complication, and here I may 
observe that all cases of chronic diarrhoea appear to do badly at 
this Post, and that, with my present convictions, I would not suf- 
fer, if it could be avoided, a patient laboring under this disease to 
remain at Fort Selden or any point where the Rio Grande consti- 
tuted the water supply. The enervating nature of the climate has 
doubtless much to do with the ill-success attending the treatment 
of such patients. As regards chronic bronchitis, I can only speak 
for New Mexico, and, for that disease, I consider the climate of 
this region as the best in the Territory.” 
Near Ft. Bayard is a bright little town called Silver City, 
which I have already briefly referred to. Grant county is 
considered one of the best counties in the Territory, and the 
business enterprise of Silver City is very much in its favor. 
The town is pretty well supplied with stores, and living is 
not quite so tiresome here as at many other places in the 
Territory. Ft. Bayard is situated in the extreme south- 
west corner of the Territory, in latitude 30° 40' north, longi- 
tude 310 25' west, at an altitude of 6,022 feet. 
The military Post is one of the most delightful in the 22 
THE CLIMATE OF NEW MEXICO. 
West, and a great favorite with the Army. Diseases of the 
heart do badly here, and the climate, excepting that it is 
milder in winter, is much like the northern sections already 
described. It is a long way from home for the invalid, 
and summer “ wash-outs ” on the railroad make the States 
seem very far away indeed sometimes. 
“Circular No 8, War Dept., Surgeon-General’s Office, 1875- 
Fort Bayard, New Mexico.” Report of Dr. Wilson, U. S. A. 
“ In bronchitis, either acute or chronic, this climate is unfavor- 
able either for cure or relief. The air is too rarefied and too 
stimulating, and acts almost as an irritant to the bronchial mucous 
membrane. I have also observed in even slight cases of catarrh 
attended with cough, that they are very intractable. I have seen 
several cases of phthisis, and have one at the present time under 
my charge, but I have not seen any beneficial results produced by 
this climate. They have all gone on from bad to worse, and 
finally died. I believe that it is only in the very early stages of 
tubercular disease that this or any other climate can exert a bene- 
ficial influence. * * * There are, so to speak, two classes of 
cases, one of which is characterized or accompanied by a dry 
hacking cough, but with little expectoration and a tendency to 
haemoptysis. In the other, there is copious secretion from the 
bronchial mucous membrane. This latter class would be bene- 
fited by a mild, dry, climate not subject to sudden changes and of 
a lower altitude than this, say 2,000, or 3,000 or 4,000 feet. The 
former class would lead a life of torture here, and this climate or 
one similar to it would only add to the mischief already done. 
They would be benefited by a mild, moist climate in close 
proximity to the sea. Phthisis is almost unknown among the 
Mexican population here, notwithstanding their filthy habits, 
probably on account of their living nearly all the time out of 
doors and being natives of the soil and accustomed to this climate. 
I know that horses brought here from the States, and cattle 
introduced here go down in condition for the first year until they 
are acclimated, and I believe that the human race require also a 
certain time for acclimation.” 
In summing up the advantages of the New Mexican climate 
we find first a considerable degree of elevation. Dryness is W. THORNTON PARKER. 
23 
very decidedly present. Vivenot 1 classifies moistures as 
follows : 
Dry, below and up to 55$. 
Moderately dry, 56 to 70%. 
“ moist, or moist, 71 to 85$. 
Excessively moist, 86 to 100$. 
Referring to the tables taken from A., T., and St. F6 
R. R. circular we see that New Mexico can boast of a very 
dry climate. The percentage of clear sunshiny days is very 
great, and the amount of inclement, disagreeable weather is 
proportionately small. One can get out of doors for a con- 
siderable part of the winter. The disadvantages, and they 
are many, have been mentioned. The principle one is the 
great elevation. Here we have the advantages and the 
disadvantages of elevation, and it is hard to say which are 
greatest. It is worth while to mention that when “ the 
country in the northwest, middle, and eastern States, is ice- 
bound and frozen, the residents of New Mexico are basking 
in genial sunshine.” 
Undoubtedly this paper may be read by English people 
contemplating a visit to the Southwest. To those used to 
the climate of England, only excepting the beautiful Isle of 
Wight and the grand south coast, New Mexico will prove 
an interesting, and I believe, in many respects, a profitable 
change; but—and it is a large but,—we have in the 
United States many desirable climates: the Adirondacks, 
the Mountains of Tennessee, the regions of Moosehead 
Lake, Montana, and last, but not least, the glorious climate 
of Colorado. The warm climates may be good, and the 
mild winters desirable, but the evidence lately seems to 
show that the cold clear climate of Colorado is the best for 
cure, and the best in the end, and the happiest home for the 
invalid obtainable. In coming to this climate and to this 
1 Quoted by Dr. Tyndale in Boston Med. and Surg. Journal, /. c. 24 
THE CLIMATE OF NEW MEXICO. 
country, and leaving behind the comforts and luxuries of 
the last, and accepting Western hospitality is a great change 
indeed. 
To the average Englishman, accustomed to his com- 
fortable home and well-regulated table, be he in robust 
health or an invalid, the American hotel, and especially in 
western towns, is simply discouraging. To the West 
people flock for money-making, and personal comforts are 
of secondary consideration. The invalid must take his 
chances with the rest. Rents are high and separate houses 
are hard to find—one must choose between the hotel and the 
boarding-house. The first-class hotels are, of course, very 
fair, but the charges are exorbitant, considering what one 
gets. The boardinghouses are simply unendurable, both 
as regards food and accommodations generally. Society is, 
of course, very much mixed, although there are always 
some agreeable people at all places. 
For one, however, willing to endure hardship and take 
life just as he finds it, and with plenty of means at his dis- 
posal, and who can plan and carry out the journey com- 
fortably, it may be well to seek the American health resorts 
of Colorado or New Mexico. When we consider the bright 
sunshine, so generally present, and the invigorating, healing 
atmosphere, which is especially obtainable in Colorado, and 
the opportunities for out-of-door exercise, and the possi- 
bility of regaining health, the journey is worth all the 
trouble and expense and suffering. It is important to know 
where to start for, and the proper route to take, besides the 
time of year and the expense. It is best in going to Colo- 
rado to make Denver the first objective, and for New Mex- 
ico, Santa Fe or Las Vegas Hot Springs. 
The hotels are constantly improving, and better attention 
is paid to the comfort of guests. New houses are constantly 
being built, and conveniences, which are so necessary for W. THORNTON PARKER. 
25 
the invalid, are also increasing each year, and better protec- 
tion against the winds and dust are constantly being afforded. 
A well-filled purse is, however, of the first importance, and 
to creep along with insufficient means only brings unhappi- 
ness and disaster upon those attempting it. Certainly it is 
quite unnecessary to banish any one to the Davos Platz, 
which does not begin to afford the advantages to be found in 
Colorado or New Mexico, and is nearly if not quite as ex- 
pensive for the Englishman or American as a trip to the 
far West. 
For the invalid going either to Colorado or New Mexico, 
one word of caution is necessary, and that is : lessen the 
dangers of hemorrhages by approaching the elevated regions 
gradually. Many lives are undoubtedly sacrificed by this 
hasty rush from New York to Denver or Santa F6. The 
sleeping cars are luxurious and the dining cars excellent, 
but a rest for a few days in Chicago or Kansas City, and 
another rest half-way before reaching Denver or Las Vegas 
is most desirable, and will pay in the end without doubt. 
The best season to go West is in the spring or fall, to be 
somewhat acclimated and settled before winter, and to avoid 
for the invalid the journey in hot, dusty cars in summer is not 
to be lost sight of. A well-filled lunch-basket, and a flask of 
good wine and another of brandy, besides some preparations 
of easily-taken beef-essence, like the London Manufac. Co.’s 
preparation, or Valentine’s meat-juice, is very necessary for 
the safety of the invalid, and should not be overlooked. A 
preparation of coca wine, made by Theodore Metcalf & 
Co., of Boston, is the best single preparation for travel- 
lers that I know of. 
This preparation of wine of coca of Metcalf’s is desirable 
for the invalid after reaching either Colorado or New Mex- 
ico. Coffee and tea are too stimulating, and exert an in- 
jurious influence on the nervous system in these high alti- 26 
THE CLIMATE OF NEW MEXICO. 
tudes. Coca is desirable as a sedative to the nervous sys- 
tem, and at the same time a delicious, invigorating tonic. 
Constipation is very apt to trouble the traveller not only 
on the journey, but after his arrival in the new country, 
and some easily taken cathartic, like Brewer’s tartrate of 
soda, in effervescing granules, or the new and excellent 
cathartic also manufactured by Metcalf & Co., of Boston— 
Rhamnus Frangula—will be found very valuable, and will 
obviate those distressing headaches and general malaise 
which a long journey is apt to induce. The traveller needs 
few medicines besides these mentioned. He is seeking for 
the climate cure, and if he obtains that to his satisfaction, 
the battle is won. 
The hunting and fishing in New Mexico is not to be 
boasted about. Game is not plenty, and hunting can only 
be found away from the settlements and at considerable 
expense and trouble. There is some, to be sure, and the 
devoted huntsman will find it. 
There are many interesting excursions to be made, and 
the ancient Pueblos offer considerable that is interesting in 
their history and customs. 
As to business enterprises, I should hesitate a long time 
before advising any one to assume the risk either in “cattle 
and sheep ranches, mines, or manufactories.” For professional 
men and especially doctors the prospects are gloomy in the 
extreme, and visitors are not at present numerous enough 
to offer any inducement to hope for practice from them ; 
the native population would, to say the least, be very unde- 
sirable patrons. The schools are of course very inferior, 
and the territory of New Mexico is not a desirable place to 
bring up a child in the way he should go. To make the 
experiment of New Mexico for health is a lottery indeed, 
and while many may lose their all, life and health may be 
found ! W. THORNTON PARKER. 
27 
The Atchison, Topeka, and Santa F£ Railroad from 
Kansas City is the route to New Mexico. It is a well-man- 
aged, comfortable, and even luxurious road, and the welfare 
of the travelling public is constantly attended to. The 
eating-rooms at the stations all along the road are excellent, 
and directly under the railroad management.1 
I have tried to explain the situation to the best of my 
ability. The physician must choose for his patient, and 
the patient must get the best information obtainable. 
To those going to New Mexico either for health or pleas- 
ure, there is much to be seen and learned of which this 
short paper cannnot treat. To all a pleasant, profitable 
journey is most sincerely wished. 
1st class. 
2d class. 
Round trip, good 
for ninety days. 
Chicago ..... 
$46 15 
$35 65 
$57 80 
Kansas City .... 
3i 35 
27 75 
37 80 
Atchison, Kan. 
31 35 
27 75 
37 80 
El Paso, Tex., to Hot Springs 
22 80 
1 The following is a schedule of rates to Las Vegas Hot Springs :