Location and
movements.
Detachments.
Lines.
Drainage.
98
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BENGAL
.
MEERUT DIVISION.
INCLUDING THE STATIONS OF MEERUT, AGRA, DELHI, DEHRA DUN AND ROORKEE.
Average daily strength present during the year . . .
Cavalry 492.1
Infantry 4190.8
3.33
2.13
"
Average daily sick per cent. of average strength . . .
"
1.59
1.25
"
Ratio of mortality per cent. of average strength . . .
"
4th Regiment Bengal Cabalry—Meerut.
Medical
Officers.
Topography.
Conservancy,
and latrines.
I. Medical Officers. —Surgeon E. Palmer held charge of the corps from the 1st to the 31st
January, when he was relieved by
Surgeon J. S. Gunn, M. B., who
remained in charge to 3rd June.
From that date till the 31st Oc
-tober, during the absence of Sur
- g e o n G u n n o n s i c k - l e a v e , t h e
medical charge was held by Sur
- g e o n J . L . C o r b e t t , M . D .
On the 31st October Surgeon
Gunn resumed charge, and re
- m a i n e d i n c h a r g e o f t h e d e p ô t a t
Meerut till the end of the year,
Surgeon Corbett proceeding to the
Camp of Exercise in charge of
the head-quarters.
Surgeon J. S. Gunn, M . B., writes the annual sanitary report, and in it
gives a very full and interesting account of the sanitary and medical state of
the regiment for 1875.
II. Location and movements. —The head-quarters were stationed at Meerut from the 1st
January to the 3rd March; in camp at Delhi from the 3rd March till the 3rd April; at Meerut
from the 3rd April till the 15th November; at the Camp of Exercise from 15th November till
the 31st January. A detachment of the regiment was stationed at Delhi from the 1st January
till the 25th September. A detachment was also stationed at Agra from the 1st January to the
25th September. A depôt was stationed at Meerut from the 3rd March to the 3rd April, and
from the 15th November to the 3rd December.
III. Topography. —Under this heading, it may be noted that the deep ravine which runs
between the European and Native lines, called the "Aboo Nallth," has been widened, deepened
and thoroughly cleaned during the year. This measure has bad no apparent effect on the level
of the sub-soil water which has been steadil y rising throughout the year.
V. Lines.—No changes have been made in the lines during the year. They are in good
repair
VI. Drainage.—As described in last report. The surface drains on which the lines are
entirely dependent for their drainage are reported to have worked efficiently during the year,
having been kept clean and open. The greater part of the surface water is carried towards
two large tanks, situated about 800 yards to the south-east of the lines. The drainage of the
west part of cantonments has. I suppose, been improved by widening the Aboo Nallah.
VII. Conservancy, and latrines.—The mud-built latrine for the use of the regiment, the
inefficient condition of which I noticed in last year's report, is still in use. It has, however,
been thoroughly cleaned out, and releeped ; the filth is punctually carted away daily ; and, as
the whole number of compartments has been divided between the Mahomedans, Hindus and
the camp-followers, each division having its name written on a board, the latrine is now less
unpopular, and answers its purpose more satisfactorily than it did before. The latrine still
requires a light roof, sufficient to protect the compartments during rain, but well raised above
the walls so as to permit of free ventilation. The regimental bazar has been kept clean.
YEAR.
STATION.
PER CENT. OF STRENGTH.
Admissions. Deaths. Daily sick.
1870 . . .
Segowlie, December 1869
83.2
1.9
3.2
2.5
.8
1871 . . .
Ditto
Ditto . . .
42.3
1.9
1'9
1872 . . .
Ditto
Ditto . . .
42.3
.6
1.1
1873 . . .
Meerut, November 1873
34.7
.6
5.1
1874 . . .
Ditto
Ditto . . .
172.
2.76
Average . . .
74.90
1.16
1875 . . .
. . .
68.86
1 . 1 0
1.55
Water-supply.
Diet.
VIII. Water-supply.—The water-supply, as stated in former reports, is obtained from
large masonry wells, which are sufficiently protected from surface pollution by broad, well-
raised sloping platforms. Attached to each well are masonry troughs, from which the horses
may be watered. There are numerous masonry wells scattered over the plain in the vicinity of
the lines, one or two of which are taken advantage of by dhobies and by the sowars for bath
- i n g , b u t m o s t o f t h e m l i e u n u s e d , t h e w a t e r b e i n g i m p u r e . A b o u t 8 0 0 y a r d s t o t h e s o u t h - e a s t
of the lines there are two large open tanks which receive all the surface water from their
immediate neighbourhood; but, although most suitable places for bathing, they do not attract
many of the men, the distance from the lines being probably further than convenient. The
drinking water in the lines is considered to be very good and wholesome.
IX. Diet.—All articles of food have been reported as of good quality. The usual articles
of diet are abundant and comparatively cheap at this station. No cases of under-feeding or
improper feeding came under the notice of the Surgeon during the year. As usual in this
regiment, samples of the various grains and articles of food have been brought before the
Regimental Surgeon daily.