3
at the time of my inspection, as the nightsoil had been deposited on the ground at
the back, where the rank grass, &c., growing there showed that this objectionable
practice was the rule and not the exception.
18. The Native Infantry lines are on the right flank, facing northward;
they are consequently to the south of the Sudder Bazaar, which is most objectionably
close to them, being only 135 yards distant. They were erected in 1872, and
have been condemned by the medical officers. They consist of 12 blocks, each
containing 28 single rooms, each room affording only 810 cubic feet. The only
means of ventilation is through the doorway; as the roof, being thickly thatched,
is nearly impervious to air. The plinths hre not in all cases sufficiently raised
above the ground, as in some instances they are only about 6 inches above it.
The surface drainage is defective, though it might be made very good.
19. The sepoys obtain their water from three wells to the east of the lines.
An analysis of this water has been made by the Chemical Analyser to Govern-
ment, who recommends its use only after filtration; but I am informed that these
wells dry up during the hot weather, and the men are put to great shifts, as they
have to go long distances to fetch water, even, it is said, as far as the Yenna river.
I
met some of the sepoys of the Rifles drawing water at a well called the Purdesis'
Spring, half a mile distant from camp, near the Ranee's garden. This water is
reported to be excellent; but it is simply a surface well, and the conservancy of
the gathering ground above it should be carefully looked to.
20. I have already reported to Government on the sanitary condition of
the Sudder Bazaar, which is at present a distinct peth under municipal rule; but I
must mention that, in consequence of the Native Infantry hospital having been
appropriated for the use of the European troops, the only building which could
be secured for a hospital for the 4th Rifles is one situated in the bazaar. This is
not a suitable place, though it is kept perfectly clean, and the privy, in which the
dry-earth system is adopted, is kept quite free from smell. The ablution-water
escapes into an earthenware vessel, which is sunk in the ground outside, and is
removed every day.
21.
The latrines of the Native Infantry are to the east. They are built
on the standard plan, but were offensive at the time of my visit. The nightsoil
is removed in an iron cart to Ghenda Mal.
22. The health of the men of the Rifles has been good, but they also are
found to suffer from syphilis.
•
23. The surface of the camp is not so well kept as it ought, in my opinion,
to be. I observed water lying about, and grass growing in the roadside gutters,
which should be removed. This action has hitherto not been taken on account
of the expense which would be incurred; but Mr. Moore, I believe, will shortly
be in possession of funds which will enable him to carry out this very necessary
work.
24.
Cutchra and sweepings collected in camp are deposited on the road
leading from the Mhowlee road to the Ranee's garden, on the east of camp. The
condition of this manure-yard was objectionable at the time of my visit. The
sweepings should not be exposed, but should be covered over with earth, or
should be burnt, and the ashes used to apply to nightsoil at the privies in the
bazaar.
25. The nightsoil was formerly placed in deep pits dug in the ground near
the Ranee's garden, but this practice is now stopped. It should be deposited in
garden-ground to the east of camp, in trenches 2 feet broad by 1 foot deep, with
intervals of 1 foot between each trench, and the stuff should be covered every day.