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present such troops are usually placed in tents on the glacis, which is unsatisfactory
as conservancy arrangements are difficult and the place is, in many ways, unsuited
for a camping ground."
Surgeon-Major Mackinnon says that " a foul sewage smell is often perceived
from the main drain to the north of the Fort; " and the same officer, speaking of the
water supplied to Fort St. George from the Seven Wells, states that, " as a potable
water, it is indifferent, albuminoid ammonia existing in it to a large extent."
At Fort St. George the kitchens used by the Infantry are reported as being
in a dirty dilapidated condition.
The canteen also is too small for the number using it.
The latrines used by the Artillery and Infantry are badly constructed and
difficult to keep clean.
Hyderabad Subsidiary Force.— The general health of the troops in this division
has been indifferent.
The barracks are generally well built, well situated, and commodious. The
2nd B. I. Barracks, which are nearest to Secunderabad, are not so well built, open
and airy as the others, and have a good deal of rocky ground and some wet
cultivation in their vicinity.
The Cavalry and Artillery barracks are very well situated on open elevated
dry ground, and are comfortable and healthy.
All the buildings in connection with the barracks at Secunderabad have been
kept in good repair. The Deputy Surgeon-General reports that some of the
barracks are too much exposed to the force of the wind during the monsoon, and
that they thus become draughty. The want of shade is reported to be felt parti--
cularly in the Cavalry and 1st B. I. Barracks. Planting of trees is, however, being
carried on, but they take a considerable time to grow to any size.
The accommodation in the Cavalry barracks has been defective. The 14th
Hussars had a strength of only 450 men, whereas the 7th Hussars, which relieved
them, came out with a strength of 600; therefore, although the space was
sufficient for the former regiment, it was not so for the latter. This necessitated
the utilizing of the lower storeys, the recreation rooms and gymnasium as dormi--
tories, which was both inconvenient and prejudicial to health. As a remedial
measure, tents were pitched during the warm weather and additional latrines
erected. New barracks are now, however, being constructed which will afford
space sufficient for requirements.
Drainage is effected by means of open masonry drains, and is assisted by the
natural conformation of the ground. It is sufficient to carry off storm water, if
hollows are filled up and care taken to secure a slope outwards from the walls.
Lavatory and latrine accommodation for the Cavalry have both been deficient;
extra latrines are particularly required.
The Deputy Surgeon-General reports that the cook-houses have been clean,
but require better furniture and more complete cooking implements.
The water-supply has been sufficient, and its quality good. It is obtained
from wells situated well away from all chances of pollution and carefully covered
in. From the wells it is pumped into reservoirs, and thence distributed in iron
pipes to all barracks. The water in a few of the wells used by followers and
horses of Royal Artillery has been found of indifferent quality.
There are three station hospitals,—South, Central, and North. The South
Station Hospital, the largest, is double storied and built on a basement of 6 feet.
It is reported, although a large and palatial looking building, not to make a good
hospital, the wards being liable to draughts, while the bath, dispensary, store, and
office rooms are unsuitable; some improvements have been effected, such as the
erection of huts for followers on the sepoy hut system which has been found cheap
and answers well.
An Officers' hospital is much required. A former Hospital Sergeant's Quarters
have been utilized for the purpose.