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Nowadays more attention is being paid to nutrition. To some extent this has been stimulated by the popular press who have been ahead of the academic and research workers in giving nutrition information to the public. In recent years, for example, the press has been largely responsible for promoting interest in dietary fibre. Before this, only health food enthusiasts were concerned. Now their interest is shared by many doctors and a considerable amount of research into the importance of dietary fibre has been carried out. Another topic widely reported in the press is fluoridation of water supplies. This has also created a great deal of interest among the general population. Although many people, including most dentists, favour the addition of fluorine to the level of one part per million (ppm) in areas where none exists naturally, indiscriminate use of fluorine can lead to other problems. High fluorine levels of up to twelve or fifteen ppm can cause fluorosis and even lower levels of five to six ppm can lead to unattractive mottling of the teeth.

The primary alcohol, ethanol, and its effects in man have been of considerable interest since ancient times. In recent years, for social, scientific, medical and legal reasons, even greater attention has been focused on the problems of alcohol drinking, its metabolism, pathology, and effects on physical and mental behaviour.

I should very much like to have an idea of what the vegetation on the island was like, how it might be improved and what use could be made of it. A most valuable book would be Rhind's Vegetable Kingdom — A History of the Vegetable Kingdom by W. Rhind, Blackie and Son, Glasgow. Revised edition 1855. This book I have at home and find a most useful one to consult. Not only is it full of information but some of the lithoprints are delightful.