POONA DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
H. M.'s 4th Rifles.
SATARA.-In medical charge of Surgeon-Major C. G. H. Ross.
g
Average Averae Strength
5 4 0 . 5
Present
508.4
Admissions
617
Daily Sick
17.1
Deaths in Hospital
4
Do. out of do.
2
Invalided
60
Sick Leave
9
Rate per cent. to Average Strength
Present of
.
Years.
Stations.
Admissions.
Daily Sick.
in
Deaths i
Hospital.
1874
Satara and Bombay
96.6
2.9
0.4
1875
Do.
'
do.
.........
89.2
2.4
0.6
1876
Do.
do.
100.9
2.6
0.8
Average...
95.8
2.9
0.9
1877
Satara and Bombay
121.3
3.3
0.7
The head-quarters have been stationed at Satara during the year. Detachments of two
companies each formed part of the Asirgarh and Bombay
Location and movements.
garrisons.
2. The lines and their surroundings are unaltered. The close proximity of the Sadar
bazaar is objectionable on many accounts. The sepoys' huts
The Lines and their surround- are overcrowded, and without means of ventilation. The surface
ings : present condition, hygienic drainage in shallow gutters is inefficient. These gutters, as
and otherwise.
has often been suggested, should be deepened, widened, faced
with masonry, and covered to prevent their nauseous contents from contaminating the air.
3. Conservancy arrangements have been altered by the introduction of trench latrines,
but with, I should say, indifferent or negative results, as the
Conservancy.
sepoys do not trouble themselves to work the system, or give
it a fair trial. They prefer going into the jungle. The trench system, when carefully at-
tended to, is perhaps the best under all circumstances.
4. The water in use by the sepoys and their families is obtained from wells in the
lines. These dry up in the hot weather, and the supply is then
Water supply.
brought from a well in the "Ranee 's Garden, distant half a
mile, or from the river Yena, which is still further off. A new well (there were three for-
merly) has been dug during the year. The water in the lines is considered good by the
sepoys, but according to the Chemical Analyser to Government it is only of " fair quality."
5. In consequence of the scanty rainfall, food rose to
Food and clothing.
famine prices.
I still think the regimental dress, of invisible green, unsuitable for tropical wear, except
in the cold weather. In the hot season khakee is worn by the sepoys, but it never looks
well, nor keeps long clean. Serge pantaloons might be substituted with advantage for the
cloth ones, and khakee abolished. Sepoys when off duty don native attire and wear no under-
clothing. Were our sepoys to wear flannel next the skin, they would, I believe, suffer less
from fever, bronchitis,-and rheumatism than is now the case.. The helmet worn by the Eu-
ropean officers of the regiment should be discarded for one lighter in colour and weight.
The present one is in no sense a proper protection from the sun's rays.
6. The ordinary routine of duty at this station is light, and does not harass the men ;
but when extra guards for the treasury and jail fell to their
Duties, exercise, and amuse- lot, on the removal of the police to the famine districts, the men
meat : their effect on health.
had only 2 nights in bed, and the admissions for fever alone
numbered one hundred in November. During all the months of the year the health of the
10m