76
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
of inferior quality. The various articles of the sepoy’s food generally are abundant and
obtainable at moderate prices. The average of monthly compensation received during the year
was Rs. 1-14-10. Vegetables as a rule are not very plentiful in the local market, but there is
a somewhat flourishing garden situated near the lines, which is maintained by voluntary
subscriptions. and labour, and supplies the men with vegetables at a trifling cost, and it is
owing to this fact that the returns show entire immunity from scurvy. In respect to clothing
I believe that no material change has yet been instituted in any of the Native Infantry
Regiments iņ this command. The present regulation dress is fairly good during the cold
season, provided suitable under clothing is worn and also socks (to prevent shoe-bite). But
for the hot months the dress of the sepoy needs considerable alteration and improvement.
Loose, white or yellow drill tunics, knickerbockers of the same material and colour,
with gaiters made with the same kind of leather to match the belt, and a tolerably
heavy white or yellow pugree, would I fancy if adopted prove most serviceable, healthful and
economical.
6. The duties here are light, there being only regimental parades ; guards, practice of
Duties, exercise, and amuse-
ments.
musketry on the range, and there is but one station guard
furnished by the detachment ; and that is for the jail. The
average number of consecutive nights in bed for the year has been 6.10. Some of the
men take to gardening, which is about the only exercise or amusement I know of
in which these men spend their leisure hours.
7 The hospital building possesses rare advantages, being situated on a small
Hospital and its immediate
surroundings, present condition,
hygienic and otherwise.
hill and open to the breeze from all directions. The accom-
modation consists of a good sized ward with lofty roof, and a
floor space of 1,497 square feet. It has three pairs of opposite
doors, and the same number of opposite windows facing West
and East and opening into fine large verandahs, having shade ; and there is another pair of
doors opening into small verandahs on the North and South sides. This ward, in addition
to the ventilation by these doors and windows, has excellent ventilators in the roof and walls.
At each end of this ward there are two comfortable rooms, each having two large windows.
They are all of the same size, with a floor space of 125 square feet. There is a detached
house, which is of great use to the medical officer for making post mortem examinations.
This room from its situation has been, and might be used, when required for solitary cases
of cholera. There are good quarters for the medical subordinates and servants. The con-
servancy is well attended to. The surroundings are favourable. The condition of the hos-
pital generally leaves nothing to be desired.
8. The general health of the wing is fairly good, but the
physique is indifferent.
9. Climatíc influence on health will be seen by a glance over the following table made
General health and physique.
Influence of climate or local
circumstances on health.
out from observations on temperature and rainfall recorded,
and from the register of sick. During the year no extraordi-
nary meteorological phenomena occurred :—
Months.
Rainfall.
Temperature of air in shade.
Percentage
of Sick to
Strength.
Remarks.
Inches.
Cents.
Max.
Mean.
Min.
January
. . . . . .
56½
66.1
60.4
54.8
2. 6
February
. . . . . . ......
79.
71.5
64.1
3.2
March
. . . . . .
8½
88.7
81.1
73.5
2.6
April
. . . . . .
½
94.2
86.9
79.6
3.2
May
1
54½
97.
90.1
83.2
1.9
June
4
47½
96.8
91.3
85.8
6.8
July
17
45
84.6
81.6
78.6
6.5
August
10
86
82.8
79.8
76.8
2.3
September
6
59
83.4
78.4
73.4
19.0
M o s t l y c a s e s o f a g u e
i n t h e s e m o n t h s , f r o m s u b s o i l m o i s - t u r e a n d e x c e s s i v e h e r b a g e i n c o n s e - q u e n c e .
October
. . . . . . ......
87.7
81.9
76.1
26.5
November
. . . . . . .....
80.1
73.4
66.7
1 1 . 9
December .
. . . . . . ......
74.
68.6
63.2
5.3
Annual Total......
41
57
994.4
945 . 0
875.8
91.8
Average
3
46.4
82.8
78.7
72.9
7.65