viii
Camp of Exercise at Poona. In addition to these the 1st Sind Horse and the
27th Belooch Regiment were out marching during the cold season ; this resulted
in benefit to the health of the men. Dr. Day, of the 5th Regiment N. I., brings
to notice the objectionable camping ground at Karad, it being an old burial
-ground with a foul tank near it.
31. In illustration of the remarks in para. 39 of my report for 1874 I notice
the improvement in health of the men of the 5th and
14th Regiments at the salubrious stations of Belgaum
and Kolhápur. The effects of the climate of Jacobabad is probably best indicated
by the number who break down and are invalided at an early period of life. Sur
-geon Bartholomeusz suggests that, were a forest planted around this camp, the great
heat would be mitigated, and the station rendered less malarious. The climates
of Aden and Jacobabad are both characterized by great heat, which exhausts the
nervous energy, predisposing in the former to malarious diseases and in the latter
to scurvy ; the first almost altogether irremediable, but the latter, I consider,
entirely within the power of prevention. This subject will be mentioned again
under the head of scurvy. The climate of the various stations in relation to
disease is carefully noted by medical officers, as will be seen in their reports.
32. Many of the waters have been analysed, and some improvements made.
The supply generally is reported good and abundant.
Rájkot is, however, a notable exception to this. In
the Northern Division many observations have been carefully made on the level of
the sub-soil water which are given in the various regimental reports, but no
generalization as to its influence on health has been arrived at. Dr. McDowall
states that in Neemuch the theory of Pettenkoffer is not borne out, for cholera
was worst when the sub-soil water was highest. On the other hand, Dr. Kiernander
notices the coincidence of a sudden fall in the level of the sub-soil water with the
prevalence of cholera in and about Mhow. Dr. Bartholomeusz suggests that the
wells and tanks in Jacobabad be cleared out once a year, and that out-posts be
supplied with filters. A scarcity of water is expected in Rájkot and Bhuj owing
to deficient rainfall.
33. The rainfall has not had any prejudicial effect on the health of the
men. At Mhow it was feared that water might be
scarce, but a large fall in September banished this. The
supply of water at Rájkot does not appear to be in a satisfactory state, and it is
anticipated that the sowars will have to be marched out to water in the hot
season.
34. Food is reported to be generally cheap and good, but good vegetables
are frequently mentioned as scarce, the want being
mostly felt in Aden and Central India ; for the former
station I suggested in my last report that potatoes should be issued to the
troops. I am glad to bring to the notice of Government that Colonel Pierce,
Commanding the Wing of H. M.'s 10th N. L. I. at Augur, has established a
regimental garden, well stocked with vegetables of all kinds, which are distribut-
ed to the men at the small charge of 6 pies each per mensem. The 12th Regi
- m e n t N . I . h a s a l s o s t a r t e d a g a r d e n . I m a y b e p e r m i t t e d t o e x p r e s s a h o p e
that this good movement will be favourably noticed by Government, and that the
example will be followed by other regiments. In connection with the diet of the
sepoy, I would ask attention to the remarks made by various medical officers
regarding the custom of deducting a considerable portion of the pay of the re-
cruit for his kit in the first year of his service, thus obliging him either to incur
debt or underfeed himself at a time when it is most important he should be well
fed. The consequence of this is, that men of inferior physique are habitually
sick during their early service, and perhaps lay the foundation of after illnesses,
the result of which is a large invaliding and pensioning of men at a comparatively
early age.
Climate.
Water.
Rainfall.
Food.