Topography,
&c.
Meteorology.
Lines and
huts.
Diet.
Clothing.
Cons e r va nc y.
Water-supply.
LAHORE DIVISION.
123
supply of pure water, either from the canal or other source. It is impossible that the blood
can be thoroughly purified, or the veins properly flushed, with water so saturated with soda
salts, probably of animal origin, as the well water of Meean Meer. Having been ordered
to report upon the use of the mixed cinchona alkaloids, or cinchona febrifuge, manu
- f a c t u r e d a t R u n g b e e , I m a y h e r e s t a t e t h a t I h a v e t r e a t e d m o s t o f t h e c a s e s o f f e v e r i n
hospital during the late season with this remedy; that I have found it a very efficient
substitute for quinine, and its employment, in the majority of cases, to be unattended with any
unpleasant effects. In some few cases, when given in large doses, the patients complained of
feeling of heat, giddiness and temporary intoxication; but these symptoms soon passed off, and
were not worse than those sometimes induced by large doses of quinine. When suffering from
repeated attacks of fever, natives ask eagerly for some antiperiodic medicine; and in bad
seasons the quantity required, to satisfy all applicants, is enormous. If, therefore, this remedy
can be supplied in large quantities to native regiments, I think it very desirable that it should
be at all events in places where ague is endemic. Twenty-eight recruits and two men
transferred from other regiments have been added to the strength of the corps during the
year. They are physically a good class of men, and seem likely to turn out well. Govern
-ment Order No. 270 of 24th September 1875 has, as far as possible, been acted up to in
selecting them.
Inspection. —The regiment was inspected by Deputy Surgeon-General G. H.
Ray, M.D., on the 24th of February 1877. He reports that the lines were in a
thorough state of cleanliness, but that no improvement had been made as
regarded their drainage. The hospital was all that could be desired in regard
to construction, ventilation and capacity, and was provided with purdahs and
fire-places. A dead-house had been built since the previous inspection, and the
latrine had been re-built. Dr. Ray reports that the hospital "is in every
respect in a satisfactory state, and reflects credit on the zeal and efficiency
of the Medical Officer in charge of the regiment."
Inspection.
25th (Punjab) Regiment Native Infantry—Meean Meer.
I. Medical Officers. —The sanitary report has been prepared by Surgeon Medical
Officers.
YEAR.
STATION.
PER CENT. OF STRENGTH.
Admissions. Deaths. Daily sick.
1871
Rawal Pindi, Nov. 1870
83.6
4.1
3. 6
1872
Ditto ditto
52.7
1. 8
4
1873
Ditto ditto
77.8
1.3
2.1
1874
Meean Meer, Feb. 1874.
139.1
.8
3.9
1875
Ditto ditto
165.99
1.70
3.63
Average
103.83
1.94
3.44
1876
Umballa, Nov. 1876
153. 41
1.27
4. 39
H. K. McKay, who held
medical charge of the regi
-ment during the year. Dr.
Rouse, Civil Surgeon of Lu
-dhiana, had charge of the
detachment located at that
station.
II. Location and movements.—
The head-quarters of the regi
-ment was stationed in Meean
Meer until the 30th October, when
it marched to Umballa to relieve
the 32nd Pioneers. The regiment
was relieved by the 23rd Pioneers
Location and
movements.
from Jhelum. Umballa was reached on the 17th November.
III. Topography, &c .—This has been described at page 140 of the Bengal Medical Report
of the Native Army of 1873.
IV. Meteorology.—The rain during 1875 and 1876 was greatly in excess of former years.
V. Lines and huts.—The lines have been described on page 192 of the Bengal Medical
Report of the Native Army of 1870: they are in a good state of repair. Trees and flowers have
been planted in and around the lines. The trees do not grow very high on account of the
kunkur.
VI. Drainage. —The drains are very shallow. After rain the water remains on the surface;
very little is carried off by the drains; and, owing to the impremeability of the soil, it cannot
soak, and it evaporates, causing the great amount of fever which occurs during and after the
rainy season.
VII. Conservancy. —Pucka, open latrines are used, and work well.
VIII. Water-supply.—The water-supply is obtained from three wells, one at each end of
the front of the lines, and one in the hospital compound. The water is good, and in sufficient
q u a n t i t y . C l o t h e s a r e w a s h e d i n a n u l l a h , h a l f a m i l e d i s t a n t , a n d i n f r o n t o f t h e l i n e s . T h e
men bathe in a small place at the well, but the water cannot return, owing to a parapet which
is built round the well.
IX. Diet.—The men diet themselves: no man's bunniah's bill is allowed to be less than
Rs. 2-8 a month. All the food is obtained in the regimental bazar: it is inspected by the
regimental bazar committee (which consists of three native officers).
X. Clothing.—The cold weather clothing is made of thick serge (tunic, knicker-bockers
and gaiters), and each man has a great-coat of Oxford mixture. The warm weather clothing
Drainage.