NORTHERN DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
75
has resulted from the adoption of cots for the men to sleep on, and from the care that has
been bestowed in keeping the lines dry and clean. The Left Wing, stationed at Augar
during the year, has only had about one-fourth of the sickness, and as the Right Wing
has been almost two years stationed at Mehidpur, a change of Wings is now highly
desirable.
Inspection by Deputy Surgeon, General WYLLIE.
Inspected December 16th, 1878. No change in hospital buildings, which are in good
order and sufficient, a dead-house alone being wanting. Water supply much augmented
since last visit, by clearing out and deepening wells. Lines in fair repair, cantonment trim,
and cleanliness with efficient conservancy duly enforced. Health was well maintained up to
October, when ague became prevalent; admissions in Hospital to date fully a half more than
in previous year, the excess accounted for under that head; but the daily average sick has
only advanced from 13·7 to 17 at date, the cases having been relatively of short duration.
Mortality, excepting 3 deaths from imported cholera, (in March, June, and September,) was
very moderate, and there has been no casualty from malarious fever. Looking at results as
above, and particularly in relation to the ordinary malarious influences of a large rainfall (36
inches 3 cents as against 20·8 in previous year), the position taken in my letter No. 169 of
1878 , advising a further trial of the hitherto sickly station, appears to be fully justified, for
undeniably unfavourable as local conditions are, it is to be remembered that up to 1857 the
station had been fairly sanitary, and that ill-health dates from a flood that then deposited a
large amount of silt, the effects of which, as respects the subsoil water, may be expected to
gradually disappear. Meanwhile local ameliorations are in progress, drainage extended, and
the dampness of the lines mitigated by raising floors. But of these improvements none, as I
believe, has been so much in the interests of health as Colonel Henderson's forethought in
providing each of his men with a cot, as noticed last year.
Left Wing 24th Regiment N. I.
AUGAR.—In Medical charge of Surgeon J. C. LUCAS.
1. The wing has been quartered at this station throughout the year. Individual men
have however been transferred to, or retransferred from the
Head-quarters at Mehidpur and vice versâ. Once every month
a party, consisting of 1 naique and 9 privates, march on Koondekeri, which is midway be
-tween this and Mehidpur, to relieve a similar party from the latter and escort the pay of the
half Battalion.
2. The lines doubtless have been described in previous reports, but still a few
remarks on some of the more salient points may not be out
of place. They are built on high ground, being some two
feet higher than the average level of the cantonment, and
consist of three and a half double rows of huts, which have
quarters at either side running from West to East and facing North and South. The
direction of the prevailing wind being also from West to East, there is therefore no obstruction
to the movement of air to all parts of these lines. In this respect they possess an advantage
over those of the Cavalry Regiment stationed here. There exists however one great draw
- b a c k f r o m t h e p o s i t i o n o f t h e R e g i m e n t a l l a t r i n e s , w h i c h u n f o r t u n a t e l y a r e s i t u a t e d
v i s - à - v i s
and windward instead of leeward to the lines. The huts are in good repair. The bazaar
is situated at a convenient distance and kept tolerably clean.
3. The latrines are the same as last year, and no change has been made in them. The
(windward) situation of these, in respect both to the lines
which they face, and a bungalow (the only available one) in
the occupation of the Adjutant and Medical Officer, is the most prominent disadvantage.
The removal of excreta is done by sweepers, to trenches at sufficient distances, which are
filled up with earth and fresh ones dug.
4. The sepoys and their families obtain their supplies of water for drinking and
cooking purposes from four wells situated in and near the lines.
The quantity is ample for the requirements, and the quality
good. The annual rainfall amounted to 41 inches and 56 cents.
Location and movements.
Lines and surroundings, pre-
sent condition, hygienic or other-
wise.
Conservancy.
Water supply.
5. The men diet themselves, obtaining their supplies from the regimental bazaar, and
that in the city. Grain in these parts is good, and the prices,
although fluctuating with the ordinary operations of trade, are,
on the whole, tolerably satisfactory and cheap. But meat at certain seasons is scarce and
Food and clothing.