75
NORTHERN AND MHOW DIVISIONS OF THE ARMY.
same period last year; the cases mainly trivial; the deaths which occurred really resulted from
previous suffering. There is no reason to doubt that, located in good stations, and in cli
-mates congenial to them, the health of the men will this year improve to its normal state
among Native Regiments.
Head Quarters Wing of H. M.'s 15th Regiment N. I.
Mehidpore.—In Medical charge of Surgeon E. P. BURROWS, Strength 345.
The camp of Mehidpore is situated at the northern extremity of a low tract of land which.
is about three miles long, and from one to three in breadth, on the eastern bank of the
Seepra river.
This tract is bounded on the north by the native town of Mehidpore; from the north
-east round to south-west, in horse-shoe shape, run low ranges of hills, and on the west is the
river, which is here about 100 yards in width and flows northward to the Chumbul.
The surface drainage of the greater portion of this tract runs into a nullah which forms
the boundary of the camp to the east and north and separates it from the town; a large branch
of it also surrounds camp to the south and south-west. Outside this nullah to the south and
south-west, is a belt of jungle and swampy ground extending for about half a mile; to the
south-east the ground is more open, but is low and swampy; to the eastward the ground
rises toward the range of hills.
The above short description, with the aid of the accompanying sketch, will be sufficient to
convey a general idea of the locality, and also of its unsuitableness as a station for troops.
But there are several special circumstances rendering the site peculiarly unfit for such a
purpose, which I will particularize; they are
—
l st .—The site is so low and so level that surface drainage cannot be made efficient either
into the river or nullah.
2 nd .—The soil, which is a rich black earth with widely fissured surface, is very absorbent
and dries but slowly; during the rains it sinks into holes in which the water lies.
3rd .—The camp being on a lower level than the whole country surrounding it, a good
deal of surface drainage runs into it, and into the low swampy jungle immediately about it.
4 th .—During heavy falls of rain the nullah is filled from the river, and rising with it, not
only prevents any drainage out of camp whatever, but occasionally puts the greater part of it
under water, depositing heaps of decaying vegetable matter brought down by the river.
Under these circumstances it will be readily conjectured, that the medical history of troops
stationed at Mehidpore would be essentially one of malarious disease.
But the unhealthiness of the camp in this respect is so well known, and has been so often
reported on, that the Government of India some time since had its removal in contemplation;
the difficulty of obtaining a satisfactory site in the vicinity has alone, I believe, been the cause
of its continued occupation.
The station is now garrisoned by a wing of Native Infantry only.
The average strength of the wing stationed here during the past year was 345. The right
wing of the Regiment relieved the left at Augur in February, and this report therefore
comprises the sick of the former up to the 27th February, and of the latter for the re
-mainder of the year.
This wing went to Augur from Mhow in November 1868, and was quartered there until
coming here in February.
On arrival the health of the men generally appeared to be good, there were but few
cases of sickness amongst them, and those of slight character.