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Your Guide Book to the Pacific Railroad, 1879

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Advice to Invalids

    Thousands of invalids, especially consumptives, visit the mountains and California coast, every year, in search of health, and to try the effect of a change in climate in restoring them to activity and vigor. There can be no question but that many have been benefited by the change, and it is a fact that many have left good homes, kind friends, and plenty of care, to die alone and among strangers.
    The main trouble is, they wait too long in the East before starting. The disease, more or less rapid in its strides, gets too firm a hold upon the system, becomes too deeply rooted to be easily thrown off.
    These are a few words of advice, the result of years of observation and experience on the plains and among the mountains.
    First, the discovery of a tendency to lung and throat diseases should be a sufficient incentive to prompt one to an immediate change of climate. Do not wait until a change becomes hopeless because of the advanced stages of the disease.
    Second, do not go at first too far. This is another mistake frequently committed by those who finally get started.
    Third, do not go too fast. Remember the railroad from Omaha, in less than two days, will take you to an altitude of more than 8,000 feet, and this is a severe test on a pair of healthy lungs, to say nothing of its effect upon weak ones.
    Go as far as Grand Island, and stop. This place is 1,850 feet above the sea. Here are good hotel accommodations, where you can obtain plenty of fresh milk, cream and eggs and such other articles of diet as are necessary and conducive to your welfare. If after a month or so you improve and wish to go farther, buy a team and wagon and go leisurely overland, camping out if the weather is favorable.
    When you get to Kearny Junction, stop a few weeks. Notice the effect of your new mode of life and the climate on your health, and if you simple hold your own, it is safe for you to take another step up the Platte Valley in your westward journey.
    Leisurely pursue your way, either among the stream, or on the adjoining highlands, still camping out until you reach North Platte. Then take another rest, look around the country, mount your horse and ride out to the cattle ranches and live with the herders for a time.
    Do not be in a hurry to get away, and after you have been here a month or six weeks, if you still improve, or even hold your own, it will be safe for you to go farther and in the same manner.
    But if you are not benefited by the trip thus far, it will be better for you to return to your homes and friends, where loving hands can smooth your pillow and administer comfort during your declining days.

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