In the eyes of the old New England people the almanac stood next to the Bible in importance. Almost the only knowledge we have of many events of those early days has been obtained from diaries kept in interleaved almanacs. It is true, important facts are often found recorded in connection with trifling or quite unimportant matters. * * * * * The venerable Dr. Holyoke, of Salem, president of the Massachusetts Medical Society, who died in March, 1829, at the age of one hundred years and eight months, wrote a letter, a few months before his death, in answer to a request that he would furnish some particulars of his mode of living. Dr. Holyoke was through life noted for being remarkably temperate in all things. After his death it was reported that some physician said (perhaps in fun) that if Dr. H. had not been in the habit of using intoxicating liquors he might have lived to a _good old age._ We give here a copy of this interesting letter. Salem. SATURDAY MORNING, AUGUST 1, 1829. DR. HOLYOKE. The Medical Society of this District have rendered an appropriate tribute of respect for the memory of their venerated associate, the late Dr. E.A. HOLYOKE, by publishing an elegant little volume, containing a memoir of the deceased, prepared by a Committee of the Society, and a few of his writings. We have selected from the latter the following articles, which will interest the reader. The first is an account of Dr. Holyoke's habits of life, diet, &c., furnished by him in a letter to one of his friends; the others are a historical memorandum and a fragment of the Doctor's poetical effusions. _To ---- ---- ---- Williamsville, Person County, North Carolina._ SALEM, Oct'r--1828. SIR,--I received yours of the 20th ult. on ye 30th, wherein you wish me to give you some Account of my Mode of Life, &c.--In answer to which I would first mention that I was providentially blessed with an excellent Constitution--that I never injured this constitution by Intemperance of any kind--but invigorated it by constant Exercise, having from my 30th to my 80th Year walked on foot (in the Practice of my Profession)--probably as many as 5 or 6 miles every day, amounting to more than a _million_[A] of miles, and tho' sometimes much fatigued, the next Night's refreshing Sleep, always completely restored me. In early life, between 20 and 30, I used to ride on Horse back, but being often pestered by my Horses slipping their Bridles I found it more convenient to walk.