xiv
would continue. It too often happens that a regiment is newly equipped With
boots and. makes the
first march before even
they have been sodden-
ed with grease. Some
of the regiments of the
Kandahar divisions are
reported to have march-
ed their boots off, and
were some time without
any. It is remarkable
that certain regiments
which have always. had
a share in every field
service seem to be even
more subject to " blis-
tered feet" than others.
In Table No. X the
figures of admissions
from this disease alone show the great increase of the year and the large
numbers of men who are incapacitated for duty from this cause.
The duties of the troops have been most varied during the year, and
have ensured a high state of discipline in the Army. The engagement of
the Punjab Frontier Force and several regiments of the regular army in
Jowaki, the expedition of a combined force of 14,000 men of all arms to the
Mediterranean, and the assembly of an army to cross the North-Western
Frontier, have given ample opportunity to test the moral and physical
stamina of the native soldier by throwing on him for many months a
serious strain of duty; and, in addition, the exceptionally high sick list, not
only in the field, but also among regiments who had continued to garrison
cantonments has kept the few who escaped fever constantly on duty. In
some instances, where the regiments had not been long under the depress-
ing influence of malaria, the march on service produced a favourable effect
(8th Bengal Cavalry, 1st Punjab Cavalry), but in the majority, especially
those which had been long in the Peshawur Valley, the exposure and privation
led to a very high rate of sickness and mortality. The experience of nearly all the
regiments has been the same, that pneumonia is most prevalent and most deadly
when it attacks those who have a previous history of ague, and that of all other
duties, night picket is, as might be expected, the most predisposing. Regi-
ments which marched as escort to convoys had the additional labour of
loading and unloading camels twice daily, and the weight of accoutrements
and ball ammunition (33 lbs., 5th Goorkhas) seems to have told heavily on all
who were weakly from fever. The regiments which remained in Peshawur
had harassing duties (the 7th Native Infantry, 22nd Native Infantry, 17th
Bengal Cavalry), and all had a high sick-rate. The. 38th Native Infantry had
such a large number always in hospital that those who were able to remain on
duty felt the effects. The remarks of the medical officers are briefly such as
these: 14th Native Infantry, "Hardly a night in bed" (Surgeon H. Boyd).
27th Native Infantry, "Barely two nights a week in bed" (Surgeon J.
Lewtas, M.B.). 17th Bengal Cavalry, "Severe duty and exposure added greatly
to the sick list (Surgeon D. P. Macdonald). 2nd Punjab Cavalry, "Night
duty is the sole explanation of the higher ratio of sickness and mortality which
affected the fighting men as compared with poorly clad and worse-fed follow-
ers" (Surgeon J. C. Macartie). It is impossible to enter into suggestions in
the face of important military necessities; but the remarks quoted will give
potency to recommendations of the principal medical officers in the field to
provide shelter for the native soldier at the earliest possible date, and to save
him from excessive night-guard.
34.The gymnastic drill, the amusements, school and recreation of the
Native Army have been reduced to a very low ebb during the current year.
Wherever the brave Goorkhas march, at Jellalabad or at Shillong, their fishing
is never forgotten, and the pleasure which these valuable soldiers take in passing
their time off duty in sport of one form or another might well be imitated by
STATEMENT No. X.
Admissions into hospital for blisters of the feet.
YEARS.
ADMISSIONS.
PER CENT. OF
Total admissions.
Strength.
1873 .
.
.
.
.
2,194
3.10
4.10
1874 ..
. .
1,148
1.63
2.17
1875 .
.
. . . .
2,542
3.68
4.74
1876 .
.
.
.
.
2,298
3.03
4 26
1 8 7 7
. . .
.
.
1,875
3.02
3.45
Average
.
. . .
2011.4
2.99
3.74
1878 .
.
. . .
3,089
3.10
5.02