Location and movements of corps.
Detachments.
62
A SKETCH OF THE MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
NORTHERN DIVISION.
Average strength present during the year . . .
8,937.3
Average daily sick per cent. to the average strength . . .
4.1
0.7
Ratio of mortality per cent. to the average strength . . .
H. M.'s 1st (Grenadier) Regiment N. I.
AHMEDABAD.—In medical charge of Surgeon-Major G. YEATES HUNTER; strength 660.
1. The regiment was located at the camp at Ahmedabad
during the entire year.
2. A detachment was stationed at Sádra, 24 miles distant,
every two months alternately with a detachment of the wing,
13th Native Infantry.
3. The camp is about three miles distant from, and to the north-east of, the city of
Ahmedabad, and is situated near the left bank (south) of the
river Sábarmati. The site is on a sandy plain containing
probably much organic admixture, the decomposition of which
may account for the malarious fever which is so prevalent. There is, however, considerable
depth of sand, 20 feet or more before the alluvium is reached, far enough below the
surface to ensure good natural drainage through the sand, and thus prevent the ground imme
- d i a t e l y u n d e r l y i n g b e i n g s a t u r a t e d w i t h m o i s t u r e , a l t h o u g h t h e n a t u r e o f t h e s o i l l o w e r d o w n
is favourable to the retention of water. With regard to vegetation, there is no brushwood,
plenty of herbage, and numerous fine trees in great variety; near the lines the sand is bare,
which adds to the heat, and the sand is less as the ground slopes down to the river, which
may increase the moisture (I had a hole dug 10 or 12 feet deep, and the sand was certainly
damp about 4 feet below the surface; still, as it was just after the rains, this was to be
expected). The sub-soil drainage is entirely natural, and looking at the depth of sand is
doubtless good. The water is from wells, and is good and abundant.
4. The general effect of the soil, as above described, would be to make the climate hot
and malarious from decomposing vegetable matters and perhaps
from soluble salts in addition, more especially near the river,
where the lines are placed. The climate is certainly relaxing, and in consequence conval
-escence from sickness is often tedious. I have noticed that the principal complications of
remittent fever (which is frequent) are affections of the lungs and brain; the men come in
with ague, which assumes in many cases a remittent type in two or three days. The tem
-perature is high, and owing to the lateness of the monsoon (usually the beginning of July)
June is a peculiarly hot and trying month. There would seem to be nothing remarkable in
the rainfall.
5. The lines extend east and west, and are divided into 16 streets, and are sufficiently
spacious for the accommodation of the men and their families.
Were more space required, there are 8 streets between the 16
allotted to the 1st Regiment, and the 8 occupied by the wing of the 13th, which could be
made available; but there would seem to be no occasion for their occupation; on the contrary,
it would appear an advantage, from a sanitary point of view, that there is this unoccupied
space, which prevents the regiment and wing being crowded together. I may add that the
buildings generally, quarter guard, &c., are well adapted to their purpose.
The ventilation of the above 16 streets is good; the streets run north and south, are 28
feet wide, and open lengthwise and crosswise. The huts have
no roof ventilation, air gaining access through holes in the
walls near the door, and under the eaves; but they are well elevated, and the cubic capacity
both for native officers and privates is sufficient.
Soil, water, and drainage of the
cantonment.
Effect of climate.
Lines.
Ventilation.
The Sudder Bazaar was swept away in the flood of 1875, but has been re-built; and the new
is said to be a great improvement upon the old one, the houses
being of a better description. The bazaar lies between the
lines and the river, its main street is wide, and every attention seems to be paid to ensure
cleanliness and to keep it in a good sanitary condition generally. The flood does not appear
to have exercised any marked prejudicial effect upon the health of the inhabitants.
Bazaar.