Topography
and physical
geography.
Meteorology
and climate.
Lines, &c.
Drainage.
59
CENTRAL INDIA.
Surgeon; that at Sihor, from 15th October to the end of the year, under
Surgeon-Major Allen, of the Bhopal Battalion.
II. Location and movements.—The head-quarters of the regiment was stationed during
the year as follows:—
Location and
movements.
At Agar, W. Malwa, from 1st January to 24th February . . . At Agar from 18th March to 6th November.
On march to Indore " 25th February to 2nd March . . . March to Goona from 7th November to 19th Nov
-
ember.
At Indore . . . " 3rd March to 12th March . . .
March to Agar . . . " 13th March to 17th March . . .
At Goona from 20th November to 31st December.
While the head-quarters was at Agar, detachments were stationed at Indore, Jaurah and
other places; they were usually, relieved every four to six months. In addition, three or four
other detachments were out purchasing grain in the grain districts; but their number was
raised almost daily, the average being about 15 to 20 men. Eighty-two men are, under
ordinary circumstances, allowed to be absent on leave, and the men always avail themselves
of it. On the 1st November, a squadron of 53 men left Agar for Delhi, to form part of an
escort for the Agent, Governor-General for Central India.
III. Topography and physical geography.—Both have been described in former reports
(vide report for 1869, page 60). A new embankment across the river Conoo, which bounds
the southern aspect of the regimental lines, has been built during the year, affording increased
facilities for bathing and washing. The water from this source is not used for drinking.
IV. Meteorology and climate.— Owing to the want of the necessary in
-
struments, no meteorological observations have been recorded. The periods of
hot winds and rains are said to have been very seasonable.
V. Lines, barracks or huts.— The huts are in fair repair, and there is no overcrowding.
They have been fully described in the report for 1869.
VI. Drainage.— Little or no artificial drainage is required, as the natural drainage is very
perfect. The lines being situated upon a rising portion of red porous soil (laterite), no water
can accumulate.
VII. Conservancy and latrines.— The trench system has never, been in force here.
Latrines once existed, but were not used, and were consequently pulled down. The men have
always resorted to open spaces of ground at some distance from the lines (marked off), and this
has been found to act well in a country like this, where there are only a few small villages
scattered here and there, and where the surrounding country is excessively dry for the greater
part of the year, and to a great extent uncultivated (vide report for 1.870, page 96).
VIII. Water-supply.—There are eight wells in the lines and bazar used for chinking
purposes only. This has been described in the report for 1871, page 105. It continues
to be pure and sufficient in quantity. For washing and bathing purposes greater facilities have
been afforded by the construction of the new bund noted in section III .
IX.
Diet.—The system of dieting has been described in the report for 1871, page 105.
Bazar supplies are always abundant and good. The men are on the whole well off, and are not
given to stinting themselves. No cases of under-feeding therefore have occurred.
X. Clothing—This remains the same as described in the report for 1871. It is suitable
throughout the year, the men never appearing to be unseasonably clothed.
Conservancy
and latrines.
Water-supply.
Diet.
Clothing.
XI. Duty and employment.— The men have been, on the whole, very actively employed
during the past year, consequent upon the visit of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales
to India, and the change of head-quarters to Goona, in the course of relief. However, as
the duty was never really excessive, it has on the whole, I believe, been beneficial to them.
At head-quarters, while stationary, the nature of their duties has necessarily been the same
as has always been described, consisting of usual parades, drill, &c.
XII. Exercise and amusements.—These have been described in former reports. The
majority of the men are actively disposed. They willingly join in such games as polo
and rounders, and are fond of tent-pegging, lime-cutting, wrestling, &c. A number of the
men take a keen interest in assisting at large game-shooting expeditions.
Duty and
employment.
Exercise and
amusements.
XIII.Marches and service.—A squadron of 113 men took part in the Delhi Camp of
Exercise during the cold weather of 1875-76; they marched back at its termination, reaching
Agar on the 9th March. The head-quarters of the regiment, consisting of 193 men, marched
to Indore on the 25th February, arriving there on the 2nd March, to be present at the arrival
of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales there. They returned to Agar on the 18th
March. The men enjoyed excellent health. throughout both marches. On the 7th November
the regiment marched to Goona, where they arrived on the 20th November. During this
march, also, the health of the men was good. A detachment of 53 men left Agar on 1st
November for Delhi to form part of an escort for the Agent, Governor-General for Central
India.
XIV. Hospital.—The hospital has been fully described in the report for 1869 and in sub
-
sequent ones. It is in a very fair state of repair.
Marches and
service.
Hospital.
XV. Sickness, mortality and invaliding.— Strength of the regiment—
Present
.
.
.
295.2
Absent
.
.
.
197.8
Total . . .
493
Sickness,
mortality and
invaliding.