153
NORTHERN DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
92. Rajkote.—H. N.'s 18th Regiment N. I., in the opinion of the medical officer, suffer-
ed from extreme fever by reason of hard work and exposure in building huts; but in the autumn
months fevers, &c., are everywhere rife, when the ranges in thermometer are great.
93. There is a postscript to Dr. Sexton's remarks on memorandum from Army Sanitary
Commissioner in re malaria, which will be read with interest; yet this officer does not men-
tion in what direction his sepoy lines lie from the dirty city, and if to wind or leeward.
94. Squadron H. M.'s 2nd Light Cavalry.—In this report appears nothing of further
interest. Water and lines good, men healthy by comparison with H. M.'s 18th Regiment N.I.;
but a detachment of 51 men of the regiment were on service with the Political Agent for two
months, which doubtless improved its status.
95. 2nd Company Native Artillery.—Inspected this company at Aden just prior to its de-
parture and reported favourably on its status, though, like all other corps, the men had suffered
largely from dengue during the outbreak there in 1871. The report from Dr. Sexton is
favourable for the year 1872.
96. Nothing further to say.
97. Dwarka.—Detachment H. M.'s 9th Regiment N. I.—Nothing salient attaches to this
report. The usual numbers from fevers, rheumatism, &c., appear; water good; vaccination
carried on in a satisfactory manner.
98. I have read the reports of medical officers in both divisions with attention and
profit, and have been guided in some measure by these. I have taken the views, opinions, and
experience of cantonment magistrates and others of long residence, also, at all stations, and
have prolonged my visits at these in order to become personally acquainted with their wants
and requirements, and the deductions drawn are now submitted.
99. I have not entered on statistics: these are subject to grave errors at times, and I
should be sorely vexed and bewildered, in the matter of the number of intermittent fever
cases, were an attempt made, so shall leave medical officers on the spot to tell their own tales
for which they alone are responsible.
100. I am answerable alone for my own opinions based on long experience albeit among
Europeans.
101. I have great pleasure in bringing to special notice of Inspector General the very
able reports that have reached me from—
Surgeon-Major Murray, H. M.'s 10th N.L.I., Mhow.
"
Thorold, Staff and Lock Hospital, Mhow.
"
Ross, H. M's 4th Rifles N.I., Baroda.
"
Boustead, H. M.'s 9th Regiment N.I., Staff and Lock Hospital, Ahmedabad.
Assistant Surgeon Barry, M.D., H. M.'s 2nd Light Cavalry, Deesa.
102. In conclusion I trust to favourable consideration from Inspector General in the
matter of delay in this report, since my final inspection (after wandering through both divi-
sions, formerly the labour of two deputies, extending over a space of some 1,500 miles, chiefly
cart tracks—sandy and rocky—and with but little railway aid) was on the 24th February, and.
the last annual return, in order for completion, reached my office on the 28th February only. I
had also the misfortune to lose my head clerk by death whilst away, a man who had served
with great credit in this office 24 years, and no substitute available at the time.
103. I have to thank Dr. Wyllie for his inordinate exertions d u r i n g t h i s t r o u b l e d p e r i o d
—fortunately his talents are of no mean order; yet former experience and recent action have
proved his tact and ability in matters of responsibility, even though almost overwhelmed by
plurality of charges his own.