Drainage.
Conservancy
and latrines.
160
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BENGAL.
inches, to enable the men to stand upright when inside; with the additional effect of render
-
ing the huts damp and uncomfortable, since no drainage, however good, will suffice to ensure
the dryness of huts whose floors are below the level of running streams a few feet distant, as
is the case with many of these. Otherwise the huts are in good repair, and the accommo
-
tion is sufficient.
VI. Drainage.—The drainage of the lines is good, there being a sufficient natural fall in
the ground, and no lodgment of rain or refuse water.
VII. Conservancy and latrines.—The latrines are on the trench system; but being situated
on the right front of the lines, and two or three hundred yards on the outer side of the circular
road, they are not available after dark, at which time the men are allowed to use the hospita
l
latrine—a roofed kutcha building, worked on the "dry-earth system." This hardly affords
sufficient accommodation, but a second latrine is being built, which will supply all that is
needed. There are six urinals in the lines, with three receptacles in each. The night-soil
i s
removed twice daily, beyond cantonment limits, by a contractor, whose pay is drawn through
the regiment. On the whole, the conservancy arrangements are satisfactory, but require
constant supervision.
Water-supply.
Clothing.
Duty and
employment
Exercise,
amusements
and occupa
- tion.
Marches and
service.
VIII. Water-supply.—The water-supply is derived from the Bara river, and runs the
whole length of the station in open channels, receiving a great part of the surface drainage in
its course. These channels are systematically, used by the natives for washing both them
-
selves and their clothes, and as receptacles for all the filth that they are too lazy to remove in
a proper manner. As the lines occupied by the 14th are the last in the station with regard to
the course of the water, it can be well understood that by the time it reaches them it is in a
most filthily impure condition. Some attempt has been made to purify it by a series of tanks,
allowing the water to settle in one tank before passing into a second, whence the drinking
water is taken. This system is of no practical value, as only the sand and mud are got rid
of, and the really dangerous impurities still remain: however, in addition to this, filters of sand
and charcoal are being constructed, and it is hoped that the water may be, to some extent,
purified. There are tanks for bathing and washing in; but the men prefer to wash at the
streams which flow through the lines. All washing of clothes is carried on outside the
c a n t o n m e n t s .
IX. Diet.—The sepoys obtain their food from the regimental bazaar, which is inspected twice
daily by the native officer on duty, and weekly by the quartermaster and the medical officer.
The bazaar is in fair order, and supplies are plentiful and cheap, vegetables being especially
good. Most of the men eat meat once or twice a week: usually goat's flesh or fowl. Since
the arrival of the regiment in Peshawar, a daily ration of rum has been sanctioned. It is issued
in the evening to any man who wishes it, and appears to answer very well. No instances of
under-feeding have come under my notice since I joined the regiment; and the few badly
nourished men I have seen have generally been found to be inveterate opium-eaters.
X. Clothing.— The winter clothing consists of the regulation scarlet tunic without collar,
and serge knickerbockers, forming gaiters above the ankle. In the hot season both tunic and
knickerbockers are of white drill. A cloth great-coat is worn in winter and on night duty.
The native shoe is worn by all ranks without stockings, and seems to suit very well; there
being only two or three admissions for sore feet during the march, though the average daily
distance was over fourteen miles.
X I . D u t y a n d e m p l o y m e n t . —T
h e
ordinary station duties are rather heavy, there being a
great many guards and orderlies to supply, and escort parties to Pindi in addition to the
usual daily parades, and a detachment of 89 men at Fort Michni. However, the inefficient
list is so small that the men are not overworked for the time of year. The number of nights
in bed, for the year, was 6.37; but since arriving at Peshawar it has been 7.25.
XII. Exercise, amusements and occupation.— The men are very fond of strolling a few
miles into the surrounding country in parties of three or four, and in this manner get a good
deal of exercise. They are very fond of shikar; when there is any to be had, and, in and
about the lines, they work in their gardens or indulge in quoit-throwing or wrestling.
XIII. Marches and service.—The only march during the year has been from Rawal
Pindi to Peshawar, a distance of seven marches, averaging a little over 14 miles. The
weather was fine, though cold, and nothing of interest occurred during the march.
Hospital.
Sickness, mor
-
tality and
invaliding.
XIV. Hospital.—The hospital has been already described (see report of 15th Native
Infantry for 1870), and the only change consists in the recent construction of three ventilating
openings in the ridge of the roof. It is well raised off the ground, is in good repair, and at
present, affords ample accommodation. It is fairly warmed by a central, double fire-place; and
all patients, on admission, are supplied with a rezai, sheets and pillow and bed-gown, in addition
to their own bedding. These articles are supplied from a fund supported by the subscrip
-
tions of all the officers and men of the regiment, which also supplies such extra comforts as
may be considered necessary by the medical officer.
XV. Sickness, mortality and invaliding.—Strength of the regiment:—
Present . . .
606.8
Absent . . .
80.3
Total . . .
687.1