Location and
movements.
Topography,
&c.
Meteorology,
&C.
Lines and
huts.
Drainage.
Conservancy
and latrines.
clothing.
Duty, &c.
Exercise &c.,
Marches and
service.
Water-supply.
Diet.
142
Medical
Officers.
Hospital.
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BENGAL.
latrines were kept clean by municipal sweepers, the sewerage being buried in
trenches. The hospital consisted of one large ward capable of accommodating 24
patients, and two smaller ones which would each contain 12 beds. The ventila-
tion of the wards was considered to be quite sufficient. In the bath-room the
equipment was generally complete. All the sick were clean and were provided
with a sufficiency of bedding. The supply of medicines and instruments was
ample for all requirements.
12th Regiment Bengal Cavalry—Jhelum.
I. Medical Officers.—Surgeon McConaghey held charge of the regiment
from 1st January to 22nd
March, when he was reliev-
ed by Surgeon-Major Con-
stant on return from fur-
lough. In the temporary
absence of the latter on spe-
cial cholera duty at Rawal
Pindi, during August and
part of September, the duties
were performed by Surgeon-
Major Dale, 22nd Punjab
Infantry. Dr. Constant has
submitted the sanitary re-
port.
II. Location and movements.—The regiment marched out of Peshawar on relief on the 28th
February, and reached Jhelum on 16th March, where it has been quartered up to date, occupying
the lines vacated by the 5th Bengal Cavalry in October 1875.
III. Topography, &c.—This is described at page 126 of the Medical and Sanitary Report
for 1869, and I have nothing to add to what is there stated.
IV. Meteorology, &c.—The rains set in on 9th July and caused a marked reduction in the
average temperature. The fall was moderate.
V. Lines and huts.—The lines are Well described in the Sanitary Report for 1869, already
referred to. Since occupying them in March last, 10 feet verandahs have been added to each
block at the expense of the regiment, to afford shelter to the horses during the midday heat
of summer and in the cold nights of winter. They have been kept in good repair; there is no
overcrowding, and the ventilation of the huts was sufficiently good.
VI. Drainage. —The drainage, natural and artificial, of the lines and station during the
year has been satisfactory.
VI. Conservancy and latrines. —There is a large regimental latrine on the trench system
about 300 yards to the left of the lines; and attached to each hut tenanted by a non-com-
missioned officer or married man, is a small privy on the dry-earth plan. The public latrine
is fairly well frequented. Conservancy carts convey line refuse and night soil beyond canton-
me nt l i mi t s da i l y.
VIII. Water-supply.—There are three good masonry wells in the lines. The supply is
good and abundant at all seasons of the year. The men commonly bathe in the river, and
their clothes are washed there.
IX. Diet.—The diet of the men is subject to no control except when they are in hospital.
No instances of improper feeding have come under notice during the year. The supplies,
including vegetables, have been of good quality and plentiful. Frequent inspections of the
bazar were made. The price of meat was moderate, but vegetables are usually rather dear.
X Clothing. —The same in all respects as worn by the regiment at Peshawar for the
previous three years.
XI. Duty, &c . — T h e d u t y , s i n c e t h e r e g i m e n t l e f t P e s h a w a r , h a s b e e n l i g h t , a n d c o m p r i s e d
the usual instruction drill-parades, on an average twice a week, regimental guards and an
occasional escort. Continuous nights in bed at Peshawar averaged 3.70; at Jhelum 5.50.
XII. Exercise and amusements.—" Kurtick" and "Polo" are the only amusements the men
are at all given to.
XIII. Marches and service. —As before stated, the regiment marched from Peshawar at the
end of February and reached Jhelum on 16th March. With the exception of supplying an
escort of 120 men to the Viceroy on the road to and from Rawal Pindi in November, it
remained quietly cantoned at Jhelum for the remainder of the year.
XIV. Hospital.—This building has been sufficiently described in the reports of former
years. It affords ample accommodation for 50 patients. General repairs, including new
doors and windows, have been recently executed.
YEAR.
STATION.
PER CENT. OF STRENGTH.
Admissions. Deaths. Daily sick.
1871
Umballa, Dec. 1868.
from Malligaum
82.6
.8
2.5
1872
Peshawar, Nov. 1872
109.1
.8
2. 8
1873
Ditto ditto
220.
1.5
4.6
1874
Ditto ditto
156.
1.09
4. 1
1875
Ditto
177.35 2.40
3. 69
Average
149.01 1.31
3.53
1876
Jhelum, March 1876
102.78
.26
2.61