Location and movements of corps.
Detachments.
78
A SKETCH OF THE MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
19. The 1st Squadron was relieved by the 3rd Squadron in November. The whole
squadron has been stationed at Rájkot during the year. The
amount of sickness has been below that of last year. One case
of cholera occurred amongst the fighting men, in May; the man recovered. Six cases with
4 deaths occurred amongst the followers. One death from pneumonia took place in hospital.
The lines are in good order, and sanitation as well attended as was possible. The hospital
accommodation has been ample.
REMARKS BY DEPUTY SURGEON-GENERAL D. WYLLIE, M.D.
Sickness was very moderate, and materially less than in previous year. Cholera appear-
ed in the lines at the close of April, and the squadron was promptly moved out of canton
-ments, remaining under canvas till May 6th. Only 1 sowar was attacked, but there were 4
deaths among followers. The huts were meanwhile thoroughly cleansed and purified. The
lines are in good order, have much more than average room, and their sanitation is properly
attended to. Among defects it is complained that there is some difficulty respecting the
efficient conservancy of the permanent latrines which are in use, as referred to by the me
d i - c a l o f f i c e r , a n d t h a t t h e w a t e r - s u p p l y i s a p t t o p r o v e s h o r t i n s u m m e r w h e n t h e w e l l s a r e
mostly very low. Hospital has good and sufficient accommodation, which is shared by the
sick of the head-quarters wing, 7th Regiment, N. I., No. 1 Mountain Battery, and Staff.
The position of its latrine within some 20 paces of the well is unquestionably objectionable,
— n o t , a s I t h i n k , f r o m s u s p i c i o n o f p o l l u t i o n b y s o a k a g e , w h i c h t h e c h a r a c t e r o f t h e g r o u n d s e e m s
to forbid, but rather from the possible risks of contamination by the absorption of foul gases.
The difficulty, however, would be to find a suitable site for the latrine, the position of existing
buildings regarded.
No. 1 Mountain Battery.
RA'JKOT.—In medical charge of Surgeon-Major H. R. MACDOUGALL ;—strength, 120.
Resumé of the whole.
1. The battery has been stationary at Rájkot throughout
the year.
2. No detachments have been furnished.
3. During the past year new lines on the standard plan have been completed for the
battery; the dimensions were given in last year's report; the
lines are clear, neat in appearance, and roomy; the drainage
surface appears sufficient; there is no bazaar attached to the lines, and no villages or tank in
the immediate vicinity.
4 . T h e c o n s e r v a n c y a r r a n g e m e n t s r e m a i n t h e s a m e a s i n f o r m e r y e a r s ; t h e m e n u s e
pucka-built latrines at a convenient distance from the lines.
Some difficulty is experienced in removing accumulations, owing
to there being only one station filth-cart.
5 . T h e w a t e r - s u p p l y i s f a i r l y a b u n d a n t a t p r e s e n t , b u t s h o w s s y m p t o m s o f f a i l i n g , a n d
will probably do so before next monsoon, owing to a scanty
rainfall. The wells have been deepened and cleaned during
the year. The mules are taken to the river, about half a mile off, to be watered.
6 . F o o d h a s b e e n e x p e n s i v e , b u t l e s s s o t h a n i n t h e p r e v i o u s y e a r ; v e g e t a b l e s a r e a t a l l
times scarce, and at times hardly procurable. The amount of
compensation was Rs. 1-14-0 against Rs. 2-1-0 in 1875.
7 . T h e m e n w e r e e m p l o y e d l i n e - b u i l d i n g f o r t h e f i r s t t h r e e m o n t h s o f t h e y e a r ; t h e
ordinary battery duties are not severe, and do not affect the
men's health injuriously.
Lines.
Conservancy and sanitary ar
-rangements.
Water-supply.
Food.
Duties and their effect on health.
8. The hospital, which is a roomy building on an open site, is common to the battery,
the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Regiment Light Cavalry, 7th Regiment
N. I., and Staff; it is in good repair, and the ventilation, which
is by side doors and windows, is sufficient. It has been found sufficient for the wants of the
battery, and there has been no over-crowding.
Hospital.