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. CHAP. VI. _Of exercise for old men._