99
NORTHERN DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
or 16 years' service. A higher scale of pay and a pension, which increased according to the
number of years a man served over 15, would induce a better class of men to enlist, and
prevent malingering.
Treatment of Disease when
special.
18. Cinchonidine was tried as a substitute for quinine in
intermittent fever, and was found to be far inferior to that
drug.
19. One of the most important subjects brought to notice in this report, is the great
improvement which has taken place in the health of the men
owing to the decrease in the number of admissions from ague
since our arrival at Mhow; I anticipate a still greater improvement in 1876. The food,
particularly of the recruit, is a subject of very great importance, and one which urgently
calls for some remedy. I have already noticed the evil effects of putting these men under
stoppages during the first year of their service. It is impossible for them to procure any
-thing but grain food, on their pay, at a time when they require good milk, vegetables, and
meat to nourish their growing tissues. Every recruit should have a free kit to start with.
The trench latrine system does not suit the place, and has proved itself to be dangerous.
20. The Native medical pupil has done all the writing and copying of forms. He has
been daily instructed by the first hospital assistant in materia medica and compounding; I
have instructed him in the rules of spelling, elementary anatomy, and ordinary diseases about
twice a week. I have asked him questions at the bed-side as symptoms or events arose sug
- g e s t i n g t h e m .
REMARKS BY DEPUTY SURGEON-GENERAL D. WYLLIE, M.D.
Health was far more satisfactory than in previous year, due mainly to decrease in ague.
A number of men, as the report mentions, "who were broken down chiefly by Mehidpur
fever, have been pensioned, and the others may be said to have now nearly shaken off the
effects of the ague contracted at that station."
Lines indifferent, damp, and unhealthy in the rains; cubage of each hut about 800 feet;
water fair, but the supply occasionally scarce; food moderately cheap; duties heavier than
average; permanent latrines during the rains, at other seasons trenches.
Vaccination and re-vaccination were steadily practised.
The hospital, inspected 23rd December, has ample accommodation,—better adapted, how
- e v e r , f o r E u r o p e a n s t h a n N a t i v e s , p a r t i c u l a r l y i n t h e c o l d s e a s o n , w h e n b r o n c h i a l a f f e c t i o n s
are common. Establishment and equipment complete, as well as out-offices; but dead-house
without the necessary fittings.
Dr. Heffernan's report is full and satisfactory. The system of trench latrines, it is
mentioned, "does not suit the place, and has proved itself to be dangerous"; and there are
some observations deserving of consideration on the injurious effects on health and physical
development resulting from the heavy stoppages to which recruits arc subjected.
Wings H. M.'s 16th and 25th Regiments N. I.
INDORE.—In medical charge of Surgeon-Major T. BEAUMONT; Strength, 217.9.
1. The Native troops stationed at Indore during the year were the left half battalion,
25th Regiment N. L. I., from 1st to 12th January, which were
relieved by the right half battalion 16th Regiment N. I. on that
date. The latter remained till the 15th July, when they were
relieved by the right half battalion of 25th Regiment N. L. I., now at Indore.
2. The health of the Native troops stationed at Indore during the year has been very
good. Except intermittent fever of a mild type there has been no disease attributable to
climate.
3. Water-supply very good and plentiful from two wells near the lines. The wells
are sunk through several feet of solid rock: so the source of the water-supply is pure. The
wells are on elevated sites, and are not exposed to contamination from surface or other drain
- a g e .
Resumé of the whole.
Location and Movement of
Corps.
Food.
4. Supplies of food good and abundant; but the prices are
usually ¼th, at least, higher than in most Bombay stations.