63
NORTHERN DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
There are small villages within two miles all round the camp both on this side of the river
and on the other, viz., 1 to the north, 2 to the south, 2 to the
east , and 3 to the west; but there is no village near enough to
exert any evil influence upon the health of those in the lines or bazaar, supposing it to be in an
unsanitary state.
The natural drainage I consider fairly good; as regards artificial drainage, I wrote in and
recommended that the main open drain running down the
centre of each street should be deepened and sloped gradually
down towards the river, so that the water might run off with greater facility, and that the
sub-drains running from the huts towards the main central drain should be carried quite up
to it and be regularly well flushed and disinfected. Previously the main drain had not a suffi
-cient incline towards the river; indeed, in some cases it sloped in the wrong direction, and the
house drains did not extend to the main one. I also recommended that hollows should be
filled in. This recommendation was made, because I found that water lodged at certain
points.
6. The system of conservancy adopted in the regimental lines is that of pucka built
latrines (4 in number, viz., 2 for males and 2 for females); all
care is taken that they are kept in a clean state: dry earth is
thrown down, disinfectants are used, and from frequent personal
supervision I am able to testify to their good sanitary condition. As many cases of fever
occurred during and after the rains, I made several suggestions; amongst others, that the
huts should be white-washed both inside and outside, that moorum should be laid down to
make the ground level and so obviate the collection of surface water, that the bathing stones
in front of the huts should all be lifted up, as in one instance a cess-pool was formed under
one of them close to a hut in which cholera had occurred, and that the floors of the huts
should be raised a few inches, with, perhaps, a two brick floor to ensure a dryer state of floor
- i n g t h a n o b t a i n s n o w i n t h e r a i n y s e a s o n s . T h e c u b i c c a p a c i t y o f t h e h u t s i s e n o u g h t o a l l o w
of this being done without unduly encroaching upon the space.
7. The water-supply is from wells built with pucka walls, and covered in; and although
it contains chlorides, they are not in such proportion as to
make it unwholesome. It may be described as of good quality,
and in sufficient quantity.
8. The quality of the various foods is good, and supplies are abundant, except in the
important article of green meat; but prices are high, indeed
all grain is dear, and latterly, since the famine commenced, very
dear, which to the sepoy, with his not large pay, is a serious point. Considering that the
scorbutic taint is so prevalent among the men of this regiment, since they were quartered at
Aden, it is a matter for regret that vegetables are not more plentiful and cheaper; there is no
public garden, and I think it would be a great health gain if a piece of ground near the
lines could be cultivated, so that a better supply of esculents might be forthcoming, and at
the same time the men have healthy occupation. Family men certainly do not live well
enough, nor do recruits, who are cut rupees 2 for 21 or 22 months on account of their
necessaries, and have, therefore, during that period only Rs. 5 or grain compensation to live
on, and amongst the Deccanis and Konkanis they are often family men.
I may add that 4 bad cases of fever of a very low type among recruits were under treat
-ment; the lads were fine young fellows to look at, but perhaps insufficient food may have
mpaired their strength.
9. As clothing is a very important branch of military hygiene, I venture to offer a few
practical remarks on certain articles of dress. Suitable clothing
where soldiers are concerned, means freer use and easier play of
the limbs, increased quickness of motion, better health, gain in comfort, and greater efficiency
in every way. As the main essential of success in campaigning is the facility of making long
and rapid marches, it becomes absolutely necessary that the infantry soldier should be well
shod. I proceed, therefore, to make one or two suggestions as to the best method, in my
opinion, of protecting the feet, which has been so long a vexed question with those upon
whom the clothing of our troops devolves; I do this with all deference, and shall be glad if I
can give a useful hint or two. The boot, as at present issued, is of inferior leather, clumsy,
too heavy, hard, and spoils by water,—to say nothing of the bad smell characterizing shoe-
leather which has been worn for any length of time in this climate; a substitute is accordingly
recommended, consisting of a stout sole, with a broad low heel, made of good English hide as
used in the manufacture of shooting boots, the "uppers" being made of brown canvas, well
Neighbouring villages.
Drainage.
Conservancy and sanitary ar
-rangements.
W a t e r - s u p p l y .
Food.
Clothing.