If regiment
has been on
the march.
Lines.
Nuisance.
Water-supply.
Sanitary
arrangements.
Diet.
MYSORE DIVISION.
65
Years.
Stations.
Rate per Cent. of
Average Strength Present.
Average Strength.
Admissions. Daily Sick. All Deaths. Pensioned. Sick Leave.
1875
. . Mercara
. .
. .
108.18
5.72
1.48
4.24
7.11
1876
. .
Do.
. .
. .
71.56
3.55
2.97
2.67
4.75
1877
..
Do.
. .
. .
60.06
1.71
1.75
.14
1.60
Average
..
79.93
3.66
2.06
2.35
4.48
1878
.. Mercara
..
..
127.70
4.14
3.65
.73
11.40
The following officers were in medical charge of this corps during the year :—
Surgeon W. J. Butler,
Surgeon J. S. Dill, M.D.,
the latter of whom reports as follows :—
Climate of the station.—The year has been an abnormally unhealthy one, fevers especially,
in many cases of a severe type, having been very prevalent especially during the five months from
March to July inclusive. The cause of this unhealthiness it is difficult to trace ; it may have
been, however, owing to the variable temperature which prevailed during those months or to the
scarcity and lateness of the rains.
If regiment has been on the march.—The Right Wing of the regiment marched from Mercara
on the 28th November 1878 and arrived at French Rocks, the station 80 miles off, on 6th
December 1878. No sickness of any consequence prevailed.
Lines.—The lines are situated in a hollow below the fort, and below the lines is a piece of
ground which was formerly a marsh, but which has been greatly improved by drainage and by
gardening, the gardens being kept by the men. The men's huts are of regulation build and are
fairly ventilated.
Ventilation and drainage.—The ventilation of the men's huts is as good as is in most lines
of Native Infantry regiments. The drainage is very imperfect, there not being a single pucka
drain throughout the whole lines. The natural slope of the ground is on all sides good, and,
were V-shaped drains built as has been suggested by successive medical officers, better drained
lines could not be desired.
Nuisance.—No nuisances have been permitted to exist throughout the year.
Water-supply.—The water-supply is good and abundant at all times of the year from a well
situated in the hollow below the lines.
Sanitary arrangements.—No removable causes of disease exist in the lines, the sanitary
condition of which is good.
Diet.—Mercara is one of the dearest stations for all necessaries in the Madras Presidency,
but provisions have been cheaper this year than last, when all but famine prices prevailed,
Vegetables have been obtainable. The usual compensation was given to the men on account of
provisions. Considering the cold and heavy rains of Mercara and the great change experienced by
men coming from hot stations such as Trichinopoly, Vellore, &c., I do not think that the men's
food is sufficiently nutritive.
Clothing.—The uniform clothing of the men is sufficiently warm, but in many cases the
thin cloths which are worn in undress are quite unsuitable and insufficient to protect the wearer
from cold.
Foot-soreness.—There is always a considerable number of foot-soreness in the parade seasons,
produced by hard or badly fitting boots. Nothing can be done to prevent them except endea-
vouring to get the men to keep their boots softened without.
Duty.—The duties the greater portion of the year have been light, consisting only of the
ordinary guard mounting, &c.; during the last couple of months there has been daily exercise for
the men on the construction of a rifle range ; this, I believe, did the men, especially numbers of the
younger men, who never exercise voluntarily, a considerable amount of good. Number of nights in
bed 4.65.
Exercises.—No provisions for games exist.
Vaccination. —A number of recruits and of children were vaccinated during the year, but in
the cases of the former mostly without success. There were no cases of small-pox among the
men ; 11 cases occurred among the children, 10 of whom had been previously vaccinated.
Climate of the
station.
Ventilation
and drainage,
Clothing.
Foot-soreness.
Duty.
Exercises.
Vaccination.
17