42
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
1. The regiment has remained at Baroda throughout the year, a few escort parties and
recruiting parties only having (as usual) been detached from
head-quarters at different times.
2. Having fully described the lines in a previous report, I refrain from doing so again.
No alterations have been made, and the accommodation provid--
ed is found sufficient; the only addition has been the building
of two new solitary cells near the quarter-guard; these are
according to the regulation plan, and are provided with raised sleeping boards and privies;
they are in every respect suitable buildings. The general hygienic condition of the lines was
good during the greater part of the year, but during the rains their north-west corner was
frequently flooded. I inspected them myself constantly both during and after rain, and I
found that although the water did not actually flow into the men's houses, the streets of the
first four companies were always under water to the extent of one section during and for an
hour or two after heavy rain. The reason of this was evidently the insufficient depth of the
drain which runs from the north-west corner of the lines in a southward direction to the
nullah which skirts the commissariat compound, and thus during heavy rain water falls
faster than the drain can carry it off. I am satisfied that if the abovementioned faulty drain
were deepened and furnished with a proper slope in its course southwards, the flooding of
the lines might be avoided.
The ground in the vicinity of the lines (outside cantonment limits) was under water
during the rains, and a large hole, which exists immediately to the north-east of the lines,
also collects a great deal of water; this of course is likely to give off unwholesome emana-
tions while in process of drying up, and as the wind blows from that direction in the cold
weather, must be objectionable. The lower branches of all trees in the lines were lopped
during the hot weather to admit of the free perflation of air. At my frequent visits to the
lines I made a point of noting, and reporting to the company officer, any of the drains
leading from the inside bathing places which did not appear to flow freely, or were otherwise
in an unsanitary condition, also inspecting them a day or two afterwards to see that the
evil had been remedied. I am, however, fully sensible of the fact that perfect sanitation cannot
be looked for as long as bathing places of any description are allowed inside the huts or
enclosed verandahs, as the drains leading from them not being paved (indeed the majority
of them are merely cut in the bare earth, a few only being tiled) the bathing water must
soak into the ground immediately in front of the hut, leaving it damp and unhealthy. At
one time, when conjunctivitis was rather prevalent, I had reason to think that in several
instances it could be traced to this cause, viz. a dirty drain containing black mud and the
wind passing along this through the hole under the wall into the house. Speaking generally,
however, the lines have been (except during the rains as abovementioned) in as fairly good a
hygienic condition as cutcha-built lines can be kept.
3. In consequence of the scarcity of suitable ground available for trench latrines, the
regiment has reverted to the use of the pucka-built ones, the
expense having been defrayed during a portion of the year by
contributions from the men themselves; but application has been made to the Baroda State
authorities for permission to make use of a piece of ground to the rear of the lines (which is
outside cantonment limits) for the construction of trench latrines.
4. Under this head there is nothing to add to my remarks of last year, the source and
quality are the same as previously reported, and the quantity
has been amply sufficient throughout the year; it is clear to
look at, though that yielded by some of the wells is slightly brackish to the taste.
5. The ordinary articles of food have been more abundant in the bazaar than during
the previous year, but things are dearer here than in Bombay.
Vegetables, which were very scarce during the hot weather of
1878, were fairly plentiful in 1879. The average monthly rate of grain compensation to
fighting men for the year has been about four rupees six annas.
6. No duties of any special character have been performed by the regiment, and the
work has been much the same as usual, although of course
when the sick-list was high the guard-duty was heavier for
those not on the sick-list, who at one time had only 2½ nights
in bed; but the average number of nights in bed for the whole year was 6¾. For exercise the
men have had their usual parades, &c., and during the early part of the year and also at
intervals during the rains, exhibitions of wrestling, leaping and other sports were held in the
talimkhana, but latterly the sickness and prostration of the men have been such that they
have but little strength or inclination for anything of the kind.
Location and movements.
The lines and their surround--
ings; present condition, hygienic
and otherwise.
Conservancy.
Water-supply.
Food.
Duties, exercise, and amuse-
ments; their effects on health.