66
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
tilation. Exclusive of quarters for the Native Officers, there are 352 huts, each of them
measuring about 960 cubic feet. The accommodation is sufficient for a wing.
In the old artillery barracks and gunshed there are 189 dwellings, exclusive of the
Native Officers' quarters. There has been some overcrowding in these barracks, as the
accommodation is not sufficient for a wing.
The arrangement for ventilation in all the huts is fairly good.
The Native Officers' quarters are in good sanitary condition, and afford sufficient
accommodation.
3. The trench system of latrines was in use from the beginning of the year up
to the setting, in of the monsoon, when the Commanding
Officer obtained permission to bring into use the permanent
latrines situated to the rear of the lines, as the limited ground set apart for the trenches
was impregnated with human excreta, and the soft soil, on becoming wet, was likely to cover
the feet of people using these latrines with mud and filth. The only drawback to the
trench latrines, which have hitherto worked well, is that they are situated on the parade
ground close to the quarter-guard and solitary cells, and to windward of the barracks.
When the permanent latrines were used, they were kept clean, and dry earth was used
for disinfection.
4. The water-supply, derived from wells in the vicinity of the lines, is sufficient for
drinking and cooking purposes, and is of good quality. For
washing and bathing, the water of the river Moosum is used.
Water from either source has not been analysed since the year 1874.
Conservancy.
Water-supply.
Food and clothing.
5. A good and plentiful supply of food is always to be got
in the bazaar at this station. Country vegetables are abundant
and cheap.
The following table gives the average prices of the ordinary articles of the sepoy's food
for the year :—
Wheat flour . . .
13 lbs. per rupee.
Rice . . .
13 " "
Dhall . . .
14 " "
Ghee . . .
2¼ " "
Salt . . .
23 " "
Milk . . .
23 " "
Firewood . . .
199 " "
Mutton . . .
12 " "
The average rate of grain compensation for the year was Rs. 3-11-10. The highest
amount was given in July, when it reached Rs. 4-5-11, and the lowest was Rs. 2-13-11 in
February. But compensation does not make up for high prices in the case of the married
sepoys, who have a large family to provide for, and consequently they seem to be underfed,
and ailments resulting from insufficient nourishment are frequently noticed.
As regards clothing, a great improvement has been effected by discarding the old forage
cap for a pugree. Nothing has been done to lessen the large amount of inefficiency caused
by shoe-bites. The adoption of thick woollen socks for the feet would, I believe, diminish
the number treated for blisters of the feet. I have brought this to the notice of the Com-
manding Officer.
6. The duties consisted of the usual guards, parade, musketry instruction, orderly duties,
drill, &c. The consecutive nights in bed average about 71.
During the months of June and July, when a number of small
parties were detached from the Regiment on treasury guard
duty, the average of nights in bed was only 5.
There is a very good gymnasium, where the young sepoys and all the recruits are taught
various gymnastic exercises under a competent instructor. This seems to have a very good
effect on their health and physique. There are regimental schools for the children, where
they are taught reading, writing, and sewing.
The amusements of the men are of their own invention.
7. The hospital is situated about 200 yards to the east of the lines and 100 yards to the
north of the Sudder Bazaar. It is a stone building, raised on
a plinth of about 18 inches in height, and consists of one large
ward capable of accommodating 24 patients, and five small
rooms intended for dispensary, office, and regimental and staff
stores. It is kept very clean and in good repair, but is too small to accommodate the sick
Duties, exercise, and amuse
-ments; their effect on health.
Hospital and its immediate
surroundings; present condition,
hygienic or otherwise.