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A SKETCH OF THE MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
NORTHERN DIVISION.
Average strength present during the year . . . 8,547.1
Do. daily sick per cent to the average strength . . .
3.7
Ratio of mortality per cent to the average strength . . .
0.9
H. M.'s 3rd Regiment N. L. I.
AHMEDABAD.—In medical charge of Surgeon-Major C. JOHNSON ; Strength, 700.5.
1. The corps has been at Ahmedabad during the whole
year.
Location and Movement of Corps.
2 . T h e s o i l i s s a n d y l o a m m e r g i n g i n t o s t i f f c l a y a n d r i c h b l a c k s o i l . T h e r a i n f a l l
during the past year was 23 inches and 47 cents, and well dis
-tributed over the whole season. A most unusual and heavy flood
occurred in the Sábarmati River on the 22nd and 23rd September, flooding part of the
lines, and laying the greater portion of camp under water. The natural drainage being so good,
and the soil of such a porous nature, the water very quickly subsided, and no appreciable evil
effects from malaria manifested themselves. The climate is not
considered healthy immediately after the monsoon, fevers of
malarial origin always more or less prevailing.
3. The lines situated on the south bank of the Sábarmati River, facing north
and extending east and west, the streets running north and
south, beautifully shaded with fine old trees, are broad and well
ventilated. The huts are ventilated by openings under the eaves, quite sufficient. The
sudder bazaar was entirely destroyed by the flood ; a new and roomy one is being built on the
site of the old. The drainage is surface throughout, and seems easily kept in order and
efficient.
4 . T h e r e a r e 2 l a t r i n e s o f m a s o n r y , a n d w i t h t h e d r y - e a r t h s y s t e m o f c o n s e r v a n c y a r e
quite sufficient for the wants of the regiment, and in every
way satisfactory.
5. The water-supply is abundant ; that in the wells is pure, but that of the river, more
especially during the latter part of the hot season, becomes
loaded with organic matter and other impurities. The sepoys
and bazaar people are in the habit of using this latter water largely to the detriment of their
health. If more wells were provided, the necessity of resorting to the river for water might
be obviated.
6. Food plentiful, of good quality, and moderate price.
Fish, vegetables, and the ordinary country fruits in their season.
7. The clothing is perfectly unfitted for Native soldiers. A loose serge tunic, such as
worn by European troops, would be more suitable, and cotton
clothing for the hot weather. The boots still remain a source
of continual admissions into hospital from shoe-bite.
8. The duties have been very severe during the past twelve months, allowing about
3¾ nights in bed on an average. The marching to and from
the city guards alone would be sufficient exercise for the men,
the distance being from 4 to 5 miles. Parades in addition to this, with musketry instruction,
afford ample exercise. Some of the men go out shooting and fishing on the brigade
holiday, and those who have a taste that way practise gymnastics in their leisure time in
the lines.
Topography.
Climate.
Lines.
Conservancy and Sanitary Ar
-rangements.
Water.
Food.
Clothing.
Duties, &c.
Lock-up Rooms and Cells.
9. The lock-up rooms and cells are in every way fit for
their purpose.
10. The hospital is a fine, well-ventilated, substantial building, shaded by trees, and
situated to the north-east of camp ; it is on a good, substantial
plinth, and is always dry and comfortable during the rainy
season. The ventilation is all that could be desired, and there has been no over-crowding. The
only improvement made, has been the building of a dead-house to serve for both the Native
infantry regiments, separate cook-room and privy for the use of medical subordinates
Hospital.