121
SIND DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
tacles for the excreta in each. The dry-earth system has not succeeded here, as the men
cannot be compelled to use the earth on every occasion they
visit the latrine, and the sweepers are insufficient for the task:
this being the case, I repeat the suggestion, made last year, that the existing six small
latrines in proximity to the lines be done away with, and two large ones be built in lieu of
them at some distance from the lines. If this suggestion is carried out, and a sweeper or
more be permanently placed on duty at the latrines, with instructions for their guidance as
to the disposal of the dry earth and the punctual removal of the discharges morning and
evening, it would be a simple matter to carry out this system of conservancy in a satisfactory m a n n e r .
4. The water for drinking purposes is derived from the best well in camp. I have
analysed the water from this source, and found it to contain
an excess of dissolved organic matter, as would be expected
in all alluvial soils. Having analysed the potable waters of Jacobabad from different
sources, I may be justified in reviewing the quality of the water-supply in camp; it may be
pronounced impure on account of the excess of oxidizable organic matter as detected by the
action of permanganate of potash in presence of sulphuric acid. The well which supplies
this regiment contained no other impurities at the period of examination, so far as I was
able to find out; it deteriorates little, if at all, during the dry season, as its source of supply
is a tank in close proximity, which never dries up, and from which the water enters the well
by percolation through the soil. The water from other sources was found to contain, in
addition to an excess of oxidizable organic matter, a large amount of chloride of sodium, and
the salts of magnesia and lime; indeed, during the beginning of the hot weather, when the
chief source of supply through the canals is nil and the water appears in a concentrated
form, the saline taste alone renders it quite unpalatable. With regard to suggestions for
improving the water-supply for drinking purposes, I beg to recommend that all the wells
in camp be thoroughly cleaned out, at least once a year; and the large tank, which acts as a
reservoir of water during the dry season, be cleared of the multitude of fish that accumulate
in it, and steps be taken for preventing its pollution by the inhabitants. While on this
subject it would not be out of place to suggest the supply of filters to the different out-posts
where the drinking water is highly charged with impurities, both organic and mineral, and
very unpalatable, owing to the large amount of chloride of sodium in solution. I append a
table of analysis showing the chief elements of impurity in the potable waters of Jacobabad,
and regret that a deficiency of apparatus prevented me from rendering the analysis more
complete. The exceedingly small number of cases of dysentery and diarrhœa and diseases
of a typhoid character, which are recorded in the annual return of the regiment for the year
under review, affords sufficient proof of the absence of any sewage contamination in the
drinking water of camp.
5. Food is plentiful and of good quality, and comparatively cheap: the recruit does not
seem to thrive upon it, as the many deductions from his pay
leave a very inadequate balance to meet the demands of his
growing frame.
6. With the exception of the exercise which drills and parades involve, there is no pro--
vision made with the view of developing the muscular system
of the recruits. There is no gymnasium, and no attempt at
athletic exercise. It is my opinion that the regiment should
be provided with a gymnasium, and that all the recruits should be made to go through a
course of gymnastic training, under the immediate superintendence of an European officer,
in lieu of some of their drills.
7. The head-quarters of the regiment, strength 202, marched (en route to Kashmore),
where it halted, awaiting the arrival of His Excellency the
Commander-in-Chief until the 24th January; having supplied
one troop as a guard or honour and escort to His Excellency, the head-quarters of the regiment
marched back to camp. Total number of miles marched 166. Number of days absent from
camp of Jacobabad, 17. The weather was extremely cold during the hours of marching.
There was frost on the ground, and on one occasion the uncommon phenomenon of an
icicle on a sowar's beard sufficiently indicated the degree of temperature. The men were
in excellent health throughout the march, and seemed to enjoy the change of air exceedingly.
it is interesting to note that, although the cold was very great, no cases of pulmonary affec-
-tion occurred. Of the 5 cases admitted into the hospital tent, 1 was from fever, and the
rest caused by accident. The trivial amount of sickness during the march points to the
benefit derived from marching out of the unhealthy area. It is the only opportunity the
head-quarters of the regiment have of moving out of Jacobabad; and I cannot let this occasion
pass without bringing into prominent notice the beneficial results, as far as the health of
B 66—E
Conservancy.
Water.
Food.
Exercise, Amusement, and
Occu-pation.
Marches.