8
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF' THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
where an ordinary iron filth receptacle could be placed for the reception of all fluids, excreta
or otherwise. The latrines are cleaned twice daily and the pans emptied into covered
receptacles, from which the excreta are removed nightly in a covered filth cart outside the
fortifications to a place called Holket's Bay, and there buried.
There are three urinals close to the lines. No bad effect on health has been attributed
to the conservancy system carried out at Aden, but this is owing more to the absence of rain
and the general dryness of all the surroundings, than to the excellency of the arrangement.
4. The water supply is very defective as regards quantity, particularly in the amount
allowed to followers, whose families received none. The supply
during the year was obtained from two sources, condensed and
well water. Each fighting man receives two gallons of sweet or condensed water, and three
of well or brackish water, and each follower one of condensed and two of well water. This
allowance is ample for single men, but for married sepoys an increase of one gallon of each
kind is certainly required. The followers' families have to provide themselves with water.
An increase in the allowance of sweet water in the hot months was recommended by my
predecessor, but the recommendation was not acted on. The quality of drinking water is of
course pure, yet the sepoys attribute stomach derangement and bowel complaints to its use.
There is no doubt but condensed water, when drunk freely, gives a feeling of weight about
the epigastrium, and other symptoms of indigestion.
5. This has been the subject of much discussion, and very different opinions have been
expressed on the matter, but one thing however is quite clear
to all, and that is, the want of antiscorbutic properties in the
free ration supplied by Government. The ration consists of 4 oz. dhall, 1 lb. wheaten flour,
12 oz. r i ce, 2 oz. ghee, ¾oz. sal t , 1 oz. cocum, 1½ oz. cur r y- st uf f , and 7 oz. of veget abl es, wi t h
3 lbs. of firewood and the quantity of water already mentioned. The quantity here is suffi
cient, but there is a total absence of fresh meat, and the quality of the vegetables is as a rule
very inferior, and the result is, a regiment suffering from scurvy. As a proof that the vege-
table ration is very inferior, I may mention that during the few so-called cold months, when
vegetables could be obtained in the bazaar at moderate rates and of good quality, there was
• a decided improvement in the health of the men, with regard to scurvy. . There can be no-
doubt that scurvy and scorbutic dysentery, which were the chief causes of serious illness
- during the year, were entirely due to the character of the food issued to the men. Brinjals
and bendies were the chief vegetables issued, and these indeed contain very little antiscorbutic
properties. Many of the cases of colic, dyspepsia and indigestion put down to condensed
water and climate at Aden, are really caused by the men using dhall and other legumenosæ
too largely as an article of diet. Rancid or old ghee may also have had a share in producing
some of the bowel derangements. Succulent vegetables, such as potatoes, onions, Native
radishes, bajee, and others of this description, which are really within the reach of Govern-
ment, should be issued to the Native Troops at Aden. There could be no difficulty in procuring.
a daily ration of potatoes for the sepoys, and the good which would result to the general
health of the men, would more than repay the Government for the expense. Only those who
have served with a Native Regiment for some years at bad stations, are aware of the great.
expense thrown on the revenues of the country by pensioning men prematurely broken.
down from bad food and exposure.
Clothing.—The men wore white tunics all the year round, except on night duty in the
cold season, when red coats were worn. The only defect I see about the dress is to be found
in the head dress. I do not consider the small forage cap sufficient protection under an
Aden sun, and certainly think the men should have loongies. Many of the cases of fever
admitted at Aden are in all probability due to exposure to the sun in this way.
6. The duties of the Native Troops stationed at Aden are always heavy, as they have
to take all the public Guards in the settlement, with the
exception of the one at the Barrier Gate, which is kept by the
Europeans. The men have plenty of exercise now in going
through the ordinary yearly course of drill, parades, and musketry. It seems to me that
with judging distance, aiming drill, first, second and third class shots, and casuals, the
musketry lasts pretty nearly all the year round. No ill effects on health however have been
attributed to the severity of the duties. As regards amusements, the only time of the year
•when men could attempt any athletic sports, would be in the cold weather, and then they are
generally on parade twice a day preparing for the review. During the remainder of the year
the climate is oppressive and the men so washed out, that they have very little inclination
for outdoor amusements.
Water supply.
Food and clothinu.
Duties, exercise, and amuse-
ments; their effects on health.
Hospital accommodation.
7. The Native Infantry Hospital is an excellent building, erected on the Bengal standard
plan, with double verandahs, affording ample and proper
accommodation to the Native Troops, and in every way suitable