EASTERN FRONTIER DISTRICT. 239
one, though it shows a higher percentage of sick than 1874. Tezpur seems to be the most un-
healthy of the stations both as to sickness and mortality, and this corresponds with what has
been observed in former years.
XVIII. Epidemics.—With the exception of the slight outbreak of small-pox and a few
cases of chicken-pox, there was no other epidemic of any kind amongst the troops during the
year.
XIX. Vaccination. —There were no vaccinations done during the year, at least since the
head-quarters of the regiment rejoined from service. At the time of the outbreak of small-pox,
it was suggested by the Deputy Surgeon-General of the circle that some vaccinations should be
attempted, in despite of the unfavourable time of the year, and lymph was accordingly applied for.
Before its arrival, however, detachments had been relieved, and the Sikhs, who were now at head-
quarters, were found well protected, either by small-pox or vaccination, principally by small-pox.
During the present cold weather (January), all recruits and doubtful and unprotected cases are
being vaccinated, besides as many women and children as possible.
XX. Recommendations.—In addition to the ordinary routine recommendations, parades
were advised to be discontinued for a short time in September. This was immediately complied
With.
XXI. Special observations. —The general conclusions to be derived from the foregoing obser-
vations are:F i r s t ,
t h a t n o n e o f t h e s t a t i o n s , e i t h e r o f h e a d - q u a r t e r s o r o f t h e d e t a c h m e n t s , a r e
healthy; that the cause of this unhealthiness is due principally to the sites, secondly, to the un-
favourable climate. An unhealthy site and a high yearly temperature, combined with a great
humidity, are factors that play a large part in the production of a high rate of sick. These are
all to be met with in the stations of Tezpur, Nowgong and Gauhati. Second, the second fact
that recruits are the most unhealthy, and until they become what is called acclimatised, they give
a higher ratio than old soldiers. On close examination, however, I believe that it will be found
that this acclimatisation is nothing more than that those men who cannot stand the climate
either die off, or have to be invalided. I can scarcely believe in the true acclimatisation of up-
country men. Though there is no reason to think that Hindustanis stand the climate of Assam
worse than any other race, they are not now being enlisted to any extent. Of the Sikhs and
Goorkhas, those who can stand the first five years will generally do very well; and though this
may seem an argument in favour of the theory of acclimatisation, I think it is not so. After a
time, the men find out the mode of life that suits them, and adopt it more or less instinctively,
and meanwhile all weakly men are weeded out. But if once the malarious poison enters
thoroughly into the system, the days of health of that man are numbered.
Dr. Bow, Deputy Surgeon-General of the Dacca Circle, made his sanitary
and medical inspection of this regiment on the 11th March 1876.
He writes that "it would be needless repeating in detail the disadvantages
this station labours under in regard to drainage; suffice it to say that it is
impracticable to make any decided improvement."
There are no latrines for the men of the regiment, and Dr. Bow considers
that their erection would be a. comparatively useless, measure, unless they
could accommodate the police and large civil population besides. The regi-
mental huts were in good condition and well ventilated.. The hospital consisted
of two good buildings, well raised and well ventilated. There was a want of
servants' houses, and no accommodation for the hospital assistants, except in
the corner rooms of the hospital.
Epidemics.
Vaccination.
Recommend
a-tions.
Special obser-
vations.
Inspection.
Latrines.
44th Regiment (Sylhet) Right Infantry—Dibrugarh.
The annual sanitary report has been compiled by Surgeon-Major J. B. White,
who was in medical charge
of the regiment at the end
of the year 1875.
I. Medical Officers.—Surgeon
H. K. McKay held medical charge
of the regiment from January
1st to February 24th, on which
date he was relieved by Surgeon-
Major J. B. White, who conti
-
nued in medical charge to the
31st December. This officer also
held medical charge of the detach
-
ment on service with the Duffla
Field Force from January 1st to
February 23rd.
The detachments at Sachiya, Golaghat, Jaipur and Pabamukh were in subordinate
medical charge of hospital assistants during the year.
YEAR.
STATION.
PER CENT. OF STRENGTH.
Admissions. Deaths. Daily sick.
1870
Shillong
94.4
1.1
3.9
1871
Ditto
182.4
1.9
5.8
1872
Ditto
171.1
4.8
5.1
1873
Ditto
148.0
4.1
5.3
1874
Dibrugarh, April 1874
209.9
2.8
5.4
Average
161.16
2.94
5.1
1875
Dibrugarh
199.65
2.94
5.12
Medical
Officers.