Food.
Duties.
POONA DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
H. M.'s Poona Horse.
SIRUR.—In medical charge of Surgeon G. WATERS; strength 314.5.
The head-quarters of the regiment never leave Sirur except on exigencies either of
active service or escort-duty, and have been stationary since
the date of last annual report.
2. A detachment 150 in strength is always stationed at Dhulia, and is at present com
-
manded by a field officer. It is relieved biennially. It would.
appear that service in Khandesh is more inimical to the health
of the troops than here in Sirur, the proportion sent for pension from the detachment being
large as compared with that from head-quarters.
3. The dryness of the Deccan atmosphere for the greater portion of the year is calculat -
ed to engender functional, if not organic hepatic, disorder, yet
there seems to be no undue proportion of either of these
ailments among the men. I have reason to assert, however, that those who may have
spent some time in a moist climate, on first coming here, are liable to suffer from im -
paired bilious secretion, if not from graver affections of the liver, and such sufferers derive
marked and instantaneous benefit from a change to a locality possessing a considerable degree
of humidity. Indeed, under the circumstances, this is the imperative and only availing
remedial measure.
4. The condition of the lines has not undergone any change since the date of last report,
and is fairly satisfactory in every respect, excepting, perhaps, the
back court-yards, which are too much encumbered with sub-divi
-
sional mud-walls.
5. The dry-earth system of conservancy is undergoing trial, the night-soil being trans
-
ported every morning in carts to a field at some distance to
leeward of the camp, where it is in process of utilization as
manure: so far I see no objection to this sanitary arrangement.
6. The water-supply continues to be drawn from the river Soreh. The proportion of
salts in solution is rather large; but as these are chiefly calcic,
no ill-effects have arisen, and are likely to arise, from its use as
a beverage during the rains. The solids in solution are, of course, less than at other times, but
then the river-water contains a considerable amount of suspended impurities, chiefly, however,
of an innocuous nature, and which are mostly removed by filtration and subsidence before the
water is used.
7. Ordinary provisions of good quality are always procurable in the bazaar of the con
-
tiguous town at moderate cost. At present, owing to the scarcity
that has supervened on draught, food is comparatively dear.
8. The duties are light, and such as are more likely to
improve than deteriorate the health of the men.
9. Sufficient occupation for the men is apparently found in the duties which they are
imperatively required to perform. Some of the sowars and
native officers and a few of the boys have taken to polo as
an amusement.
Location and movements
Detachment.
Effects on climate.
Lines.
Conservancy and sanitary a
rangements.
Water-supply.
Exercise, amusement, and oc
cu-
pation.
Lock-up rooms and cells.
10 There are no cells. The lock-up room is dark and
badly ventilated, and unsuitable as an apartment wherein to
confine a man for more than a single day.
11. In January 133 men marched to Dhulia, in September 53 more, and thence 53
men thus relieved returned to head-quarters. In November a
party of 13, all told, was sent to a place 12 miles distant, on
emergent duty.
Marches.
12. The hospital is badly situated, being, as regards the prevailing breeze, to windward.
of the lines and leeward of the parade-ground, whence clouds of
dust frequently envelope the building; deficient in accommo -
dation, affording scarcely one-half what is occasionally required; improperly ventilated, it
Hospital.