Water-supply.
Food,
131
SIND DIVISION OF THE ARMY.
unsuitable quarters, are much exposed to climatic influences, water is often bad and of
limited quantity ; and on their return to head-quarters their weakly and anæmic condition
fit them rather for the hospital than the parade-ground. The surgeon still ''s u p p l e m e n t s "
the dry-earth system with disinfectants ; but this he explains. When the new hospital is
built, the dry-earth system can then be carried out without these adventitious aids. Water
is from a neighbouring well, of a quality similar to those elsewhere described. Filters are
recommended.
Vaccination.
In this corps vaccination shows more favourably than in
the others. 14 primary and 28 cases of re-vaccination were
successfully performed.
The physique of the men is as described in my former report; nor is it likely to be im-
Physique and General Health.
proved under the present system of recruiting, as also retain-
ing the regiment continuously in Jacobabad. While the mor-
tality has been less, the general health has been worse than for 1874, as is seen by the list
of treated, which gives a total of 724 for the last, against 503 for the previous year, and which
is further strengthened by the significant fact of 434 admissions to 290 persons.
H. M.'s 30th Regiment N. I., or Jacob's Rifles.
JACOBABAD.— In medical charge of Surgeon E. TOOTELL ; Strength, 583.2
1. The regiment has been located at Jacobabad since its formation in 1858. 420 men
Location and Movement of
Corps.
went on detachment duty ; each detachment consisted of
about 14 men, and stayed at the out-post for one month.
2. Abundant in quantity and good in quality, except just before the inundation, when
the well water becomes a little brackish from the amount of
salt in the soil.
3. There is no lack of food of good quality, and fairly
cheap.
4. In the hot weather light American drill ; in the cold, Norfolk jacket of thick cloth ,
Clothing.
thick trowsers, with gaiters attached, the whole forming a very
comfortable dress, and with a great-coat sufficientl y warm.
The boots, however, are to be objected to ; they seldom fit, being too large for the majority of
the men, the result being admissions to hospital for shoe-bites and constant shoe-leave.
5. The duties do not injuriously affect the health of the men. Gymnasium practice
compulsory for recruits, and used by many others ; wrestling is
also a favourite pastime.
6. Conveniently situated close to lines and facing W. ; there is plenty of space around
Duties,
Hospital.
it for free circulation of air. It contains 29,376 cubic feet of
space and 1,224 square feet of sup erficial area, which with 16
beds in it represents 1,836 cubic feet of space and 76.8 square feet superficial area for each
patient. Perfect cross-ventilation exists. As shown above, there is ample space for 16 men ;
but, on looking at the following list of admissions and average daily sick for the past year,
it is evident that the accommodation is far below the wants of the regiment:—
Admissions. Average
Daily Sick.
Admissions.
A v e r a g e D a i l y S i c k .
January
...
... ...
57
31
July...
...
... ...
36
9.4
February ...
...
...
60
40
August
...
...
...
56
11
March
...
...
...
63
31
September
...
...
...
76
30
April
... ... ...
1 8
15.2
October
...
...
...
138
45
May
...
...
...
23
7.5
November ...
...
...
164
43
June
...
... ...
25
5.8
December ...
...
...
113
42
From the last paragraph it will be seen that a fresh ward is necessary for the hospital,
and for this there is abundance of space. The dry-earth system is followed, and the latrine,