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MYSORE DIVISION.
39th Regiment Native Infantrys.
The head-quarters and wing of this corps remained at Bangalore through--
out the year, but the left wing was sent across to Moulmein, and arrived there
in July. Surgeon-Major S. T. Heard was in charge of the head-quarters the
greater part of the year. Surgeon P. N. Mookerjee, who took charge in Decem--
ber, reports as follows :—
Climate .—The rainfall this year has been greater than in preceding years, and fevers,
especially of the intermittent type, have been prevalent, the admissions numbering 185.
Diseases of the district .—Disease principally of malarial origin. Small-pox prevailed
during the months of April and May.
Climate.
Diseases of the
district.
Position of lines .—The lines are situated in rear of the general parade ground and
quarters of Native Infantry officers. The ground is fairly elevated, and slopes northward
towards the main drain which carries off the surface water of this part of the cantonment
to the Ulsoor tank. The position was, no doubt, healthy when first occupied ; but, owing
to want of proper drains for the refuse water, it is now saturated with organic matter, and
consequently unhealthy. Most of the huts are flat-roofed and situated within a small enclo
-sure. Each row of huts is separated by the street 12 feet wide, and a main street 20 feet in
width runs through the centre of the lines from north to south.
Ventilation and drainage .—The drains are all open and unpaved, and are little better
than cess-pools. The refuse water from each hut sinks into the ground, and so cannot but
be detrimental to the health of the men. The hospital and guard-room are situated on
higher grounds, and are, therefore, better drained. The ventilation of the huts is on a par
with that of most native huts. The bad state of the drains has been brought frequently to
the notice of the authorities. New masonry lines are being built, I believe, to remedy the
defects which existed in the use of the huts.
Position of
lines.
Ventilation
and drainage.
Water-supply .—There are two large stone-lined wells on the north of, and close to, the
lines. Each is surrounded by a parapet. The water is of fair quality, and sufficient in
quantity.
Sanitary arrangements .—The lines are kept very clean by the Regimental Quarter-
master's establishment, and frequently inspected by that officer and t ħ e Medical Officer
in charge. With the exception. of the drains there are no local causes of disease which require
removal.
Diet.— Provisions have been cheap and plentiful. Vegetables are always abundant.
Water-supply.
Sanitary ar
-rangements.
Diet.
Clothing .—Clothing sufficient and adapted to the climate.
Clothing.
Duty .— The duty during the early part of the year was very trying, in consequence of
the departure to Akyab of the 27th Regiment N.I. This was modified to a certain extent
by the arrival of the 23rd Regiment ; but, as the right wing of this regiment (39th) left this
for Moulmein in September last, the duty again became severe. The men now only have one
to two nights in bed to one on duty.
Drill .—The average numbers of drills per week have been five. The regimental parades
at 6½ A.M., and drills for an hour and a quarter. The drills have not exercised any injurious
influence on the health of the men.
Vaccination .—Eighty-two sepoys have been vaccinated during the year ; of these 70
have been successful. Seventy-seven males of the families have been vaccinated ; successful
50, and 89 females—total vaccinated 248 ; successful 186. Four cases of small-pox occurred
amongst, the men.
Epidemic diseases .—Dengue fever first made its appearance amongst the men in
September last, and there are only 63 cases recorded amongst 400 men. There has been a
considerable increase in ague (185 to 191 of last year). As the right wing has been away for
the last four months, possibly dengue fever might have been returned as ague in some cases.
There were cases of small-pox amongst the men, and all recovered.
Ventilation of the hospital .-2.52. Ventilation good. No representations were made.
Hospital wards .—The hospital accommodates 20 sick, and the admissions exceeded this
number only for a day or two at a time.
Drainage and latrines .—The condition of the drains has been described in paragraph 5.
Latrines are cleaned out daily by the regimental sweeper. Dry earth system has been
carried out in the hospital with success.
Duty.
Drill.
Vaccination.
Epidemic dis-
eases.
Ventilation of
the hospital.
Hospital
wards.
Drainage and
latrines.
General conclusions
.—With the exception of dengue fever and ague, the health of the
regiment has been pretty good. There were six deaths during the year—three from remittent
fever, one from dysentery, one from bronchitis, and one returned under the heading " Not yet
diagnosed." The total admissions were 558 last year to 471 in 1871, thus showing an
i ncrease of 86, and a t ot al of si x deat hs t o four i n 1871.
General con
-clusions.
18