SAUGOR CIRCLE.
135
Epidemic diseases. —Fever of mild intermittent type was prevalent in the months of
September, October, and November, when the country was drying up after the rains, and
is no doubt of miasmatic origin. There are extensive jungles in the neighbouring country.
Phthisis palmonalis and other chest diseases. —One death from phthisis, cause unknown.
No history of hereditary tendency.
Hospital. —There has not been any overcrowding.
Drainage good. The dry-earth system is carried out in the private latrines in the yards
of the married men's huts. The quantity of dry earth stored is insufficient, and the quantity
actually used is very small, and often not used at all, or at the best wood ashes substituted.
Practically inconvenince has not been experienced, as all soil is removed twice daily and
buried in trenches 400 to 500 yards away.
General conclusions. —Having only arrived at this station on the 19th December, the
answers to the foregoing questions have been framed from the memoranda and records
left by my predecessor in medical charge. The general health of the regiment has been
average, and no special causes of remark are suggested by perusal of the returns.
Epidemic dis
-
eases.
Phthisis pul-
monalis and
other chest
diseases.
Hospital.
General con-
clusions.
5 t h R e g i m e n t N a t i v e I n f a n t r y .
This corps arrived in Saugor from Secunderabad in December 1872, and
the following is the extract from the Inspection Report by Deputy Inspector
-
General C. Barclay, who inspected the corps :—
Lines.—No change has been made in these lines during the year. They have been
somewhat damaged by the heavy rain that fell in the beginning of the month, but are
otherwise in good order and clean.
The configuration of the ground, aided by open side drains, partly lined with masonry,
gives sufficient drainage.
Latrines. Guard-room.—The guard-rooms, cells, Staff Serjeant's and Apothecary's
quarters are clean and in good order. The quarter guard is rather small and low in the
roof. The school-rooms need limewashing, which will be executed shortly.
There is no public latrine, except a small one for the quarter guard. This is kept
clean by daily removal of excreta. Dry earth is in use, but not coal-tar. There are no cess
- p o o l s o r f o u l d r a i n s .
Water-supply. —From wells, two of which, considered to be of good quality, have
recently been set apart for drinking and cooking purposes, and placed under guard, the use
of other wells for these purposes being prohibited.
Recreation.—The men generally are not much given to games, but there is a gymnasium
in which a good number of the younger men and recruits practise athletic and club exercises.
There is also a good garden, but less has been done in it this year than formerly, the
regiment being under orders to march.
Duties.—Surgeon Cooper has recently expressed an opinion that, though the ordinary
duties of the men have no prejudicial effect on health, the " running drill may have an
influence in increasing the number of heart affections. These have apparently been more
numerous of late, but how far this is attributable to actual increase, and how far to these
affections being now more carefully looked for, and, therefore, more frequently detected,
seems a doubtful point.
Conservancy.—The conservancy of the neighbourhood of the lines and hospital is
satisfactory.
Hospital. —Since last year a store-room has been provided for this hospital by the
enclosure of a portion of the western verandah for that purpose.
In other respects there has been no change. The building is clean and in good order ;
drainage natural and sufficient ; ventilation good above and below ; accommodation has been
ample ; water is brought by puckallies from the wells in the lines.
The latrine is too small, and its enlargement, or the construction of a new one, has
been frequently recommended. It is kept in good order, and dry earth and coal-tar are
in use. There are no cesspools or foul drains. A dead-house is needed.
Bedding and furniture. —Kept up according to regulation and in good condition, with
the exception of some articles of bedding, &c., become unserviceable and requiring renewal
or repair.
Diet. —Native sick diet themselves, but extras (mutton, milk, &c.,) are provided for
them when considered absolutely necessary by the medical officer.
Principal diseases. —The principal diseases during the current year have been guinea-
worm 75, febricula 59, dysentery 12, and diarrhœa 4. One fatal case of sporadic cholera
occurred in August.
Guinea-worm became prevalent in March, chiefly among men of the G and H Companies,
occupying the eastern extremity of the lines, and using No. 6 well, which was then very
31— d
Lines.
Latrines.
Guard-room.
Water-supply.
Recreation.
Duties.
Conservancy.
Hospital.
Bedding and
furniture.
Diet.
Principal dis-
eases.