Bedding and
furniture.
Diet and
cooking.
Principal
diseases for the
last year.
Recommen
dations
.
Vaccination.
114
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF MADRAS.
Rations.
Water-supply.
Recreation.
Du
ties.
Conservancy.
Hospital.
There is a large public latrine to the north-west of the lines and a small one to the
east of the barrack for the use of the quarter-guard. Both are kept clean by daily removal
of excreta, and the approaches to both are in good order.
The latrine belonging to the Quartermaster Serjeant's quarters is under the same roof
with the cook-room, which is an objectionable arrangement. The provision of a separate
latrine has already been recommended. There are no cess-pools or foul drains.
Rations.—Native Troops provide and cook their own food. The average prices of
ordinary articles during the current year have been—
Per H. S Rupee.
lb. oz.
Rice
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
1 4
4
Wheat
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
22 0
Jowary ...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
32 4
Dholl
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
10 5
Salt, common
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
14 3
Ghee
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
2 4
Bajrah
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
30 3
Mutton
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
5 5
Average rate of compensation for dearness of rice, 1st January to 30th September 1872,
Government Rupees 5-11-7 ½.
Water-supply. —From wells, three of which, of good quality, have recently been set
apart for drinking and cooking purposes, and placed under guard. A number of sepoys are
detailed to draw water from these wells for the use of all in the regiment, and the drawing
of water from them by other persons is prohibited, as well as the use of any other wells
for drinking and cooking purposes.
Recreation. —There is a gymnasium in which many of the men practise athletic games ;
they also play cricket ; and there is a good public garden in which many of them work.
Duties.— Not
prejudicial.
Conservancy. —The conservancy of the neighbourhood of the lines and hospital is
satisfactory.
Hospital. —No changes have been made in the hospital. It is clean and in good condi-
tion. Ventilation good above and below. Drainage natural and sufficient. Accommodation
throughout the year has been ample. Water brought by puckallies from the wells in the
lines.
The latrine is in good order and kept almost free from smell by the use of dry earth
and coal tar, but it is too small, and a larger one is required.
A d e a d - h o u s e i s a l s o n e e d e d . T h e r e a r e n o c e s s - p o o l s o r
f o u l d r a i n s .
Bedding and furniture. —Kept up according to regulation, and in good condition, with
the exception of a few articles become unserviceable or needing repair. The medical officer
has been instructed to apply for a committee of survey on these.
Diet and cooking.— Native sick diet themselves, but extras (mutton, milk, &c.) are
provided for them when considered absolutely necessary by the medical officer.
Principal diseases for the last year. —The principal diseases during the current year
have been ague (86), febricula (49), general debility (19), rheumatism (9), diarrhœa (9,) and
dysentery (8).
The casualties have been rather numerous, 13 in all, viz., one under each of the follow-
ing heads : apoplexy, phthisis pulmonalis, epilepsy, valve disease of the heart, diarrhœa,
general debility, wound, and six under the head of ague. These last were from the sequelæ
of ague, recurring year after year, viz., enlarged spleen and of liver, followed by anæmia and
general dropsy.
During the prevalence of small-pox in the station six cases occurred in these lines
among the followers with no death. During the rains diarrhœa and dysentery were rather
prevalent.
Recommendations. —The need of a dead-house and a larger latrine for the hospital,
and of a separate privy for the Quartermaster Serjeant's quarters.
Vaccination.—276 operations since 1st January, of which 267 successful. Of 57 young
persons examined in the lines, 30 had had small-pox, and 27 had not. Of the former class
17 bore marks of vaccination, and 13 had no marks or indistinct ones. Of the latter class,
20 had vaccination marks, and 7 had indistinct marks or none.
Climate.
The 29th continued stationed at Secunderabad. During the first half of the
year Surgeon-Major J . Wilkins, M.D., was in medical charge. He was succeeded
by Surgeon-Major W. J . Busteed, M.D., who writes as follows :—
Climate. —During the hot months the temperature was unusually high. The sub
¬sequent rainfall was very copious.