Walls and
ceilings, &c.
Nuisance.
Water-supply.
Sanitary ar
-rangements.
Diet.
Liquors.
Clothing.
Duty.
Drill.
Hospital.
Latrines and
drainage.
138
Clim ate.
Medical topo-
graphy.
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF MADRAS.
L e f t W i n g , 1 5 t h R e g i m e n t M . A . I .
This wing was stationed at Nowgong during the year, and under the medical
charge of Assistant Surgeon J. Backhouse.
Climate.— The climate during the year 1872 of the station of Nowgong, Bundlecund,
was exceedingly mild and genial. Even the two unfavorable months of the year, viz., October
and November, which are well known for the severe and, in some cases, fatal outbreaks of
fever, ague, and remittent fever, the latter causing the deaths in old persons, who are rendered
unable to withstand its effects on the constitution, this year there was hardly any
fever in these two months. But three cases of cholera occurred among the European
Artillery, one of the gunners' wives and two gunners died. Its influence on health and dis--
ease was favorable.
Medical topography.— The medical topography of the district—a good many large marshy
tanks; and hills and rocks, with intervening ravines. The chief diseases are intermittent
and remittent fevers; the latter, if the cold season is very wet and rainy (the vegetation is both
luxuriant and abundant), is always extremely severe and in some cases fatal, i.e. , in old people.
Other diseases— pneumonia, bronchitis, pleurisy, rheumatism, boils, dysentery, diarrhœa,
itch, ophthalmia, foot lameness perhaps from eating rich and poor sorts of dholl, which are
known to cause effusion of serum in the lower portion of the spinal canal, and thus cause
weakness, and in some cases paralysis of the lower extremities.
Lines.
Ventilation
and drainage.
Lines.— The position of the lines—huts situated on gently elevated ground, apparently
on red sand-stone soil and decomposing granite, which is dry and absorbent, situated towards
the northern part of the cantonment; the lines run north and south and face the east and
west. The position is extremely healthy, and could not possibly be better fitted for
the purpose.
Ventilation and drainage.— The means which are at present in use for ventilation and
drainage are sufficient. No defects have been observed during the year 1872.
Walls and ceilings of barrack-rooms.— The walls of the huts have been whitewashed
twice during the past year. Representation on the subject was not necessary.
Nuisance.—No nuisance of any kind has occurred during the year 1872.
Water-supply.— The condition of the water during the year 1872 was all that could be
desired, and the sources are chiefly from wells; quality is good; the quantity
sufficient.
Sanitary ar-rangements.—The sanitary arrangements were perfectly attended to, no
local causes of diseases requiring removal.
Diet.— No rations given to native troops, but provision in the Sudder bazaar were suffi--
cient and very good; vegetables sufficient.
The sepoys are allowed compensation to a certain amount for the dearness (if any) of
rice.
Liquors.— The chief liquors are obtained from the abkari shop in the Sudder bazaar,
made from mhowfunt by distillation, and are cheap and abundant, and apparently of good
quality.
Clothing.— The clothing of the men was sufficient during the year 1872, and is well
adapted to the climate of the district.
More warm blankets would be found very serviceable in the hospital of the wing.
Foot soreness.
Exercises.
Vaccination.
Foot soreness.— There has been a great deal of foot soreness among the men. The
Officer Commanding always supplies those sepoys with good soft stockings; this is a very
had station for obtaining good and Proper leather for making boots.
Duty .—The amount of duty performed by the sepoys during the past year has had a
beneficial effect on their health; average number of nights in bed during the year 1872 was 8.
Drill.— The daily amount of drill, excluding Sundays and Thursdays, was from 6 to 8
A.M. and from 4 to 6 P.M.
Their influence on the health of the sepoys was beneficial.
Exercises.— There are no gymnastics, but the Mussulmans spend their holiday, Thurs--
day, in fishing and shooting, the Hindoos likewise, which has a beneficial effect on their
health.
Vaccination.—The state of vaccination of H. M.'s Left Wing, 15th M. N. I., has been
exceedingly good this year, 1872. At the commencement of the cold weather, with
kind assistance of Officer Commanding, Lieutenant-Colonel G. Hearn, I had 67 children of
the sepoys successfully vaccinated. The Colonel kindly came down to the lines and
explained to the men the favorable effects the operation would exert hereafter in life upon
their children if they allowed them to be properly vaccinated when there was no trouble.
All willingly brought their children, and at present all people in the lines are properly
vaccinated.
Small-pox none.
Re-vaccination none.
Hospital.— Has been exceedingly good throughout the year.
Latrines and drainage.—Condition of the latrines and drainage was quite perfect
during the year. Dry-earth system has been rigidly carried out.