Topography
and physical
geography.
Meteorology
and climate.
Lines,
barracks, &c.
Drainage.
Conservancy
and latrines.
Water-supply.
Marches, &c.
Hospital.
215
EASTERN FRONTIER DISTRICT.
III. Topography and physical topography.— The topography of the station of Dibrugath, as
also of the posts Sadiya, Pubamukh and Golaghat, and surrounding country, has been fully de-
scribed in previous reports. No fluviatile or other changes affecting the sanitary condition of
the head-quarters stations or outposts occurred during the year.
IV. Meteorology and climate.— The rainfall was nearly 6 inches in excess of last year,
but still under the average of former years. The most notable feature was excessive rainfall
in the early months of the year, and an unprecedented drought in August and September.
The temperature shows both higher and lower readings than is usual here; this is, no doubt, due
to the irregular distribution in the fall of rain. These deviations from the normal state of the
climate caused the year to be an exceedingly unhealthy one among all classes, although the
troops suffered less than the civil population.
V.
Lines, barracks and huts.— The sepoys' lines and huts both at head-quartets and out
- p o s t s h a v e b e e n f u l l y d e s c r i b e d i n p r e v i o u s r e p o r t s . T h e y h a v e b e e n m a i n t a i n e d i n e x c e l l e n t
order and repair throughout the year, and no overcrowding occurr
e d .
VI Drainage.—The system of drainage, which has been described in reports of former
years, has been maintained in effective condition during the year; an establishment of 10 coolies
being maintained for this purpose.
VII. Conservancy and latrines:—The trench latrines which were first introduced last year
have worked admirably during the past year; and the convenience and cleanliness they afford
are evidently much appreciated by the men and their families.
VIII.
Water-supply.- There was no change in the source of water-supply dating the year,
Which continued the same as described last year. The well water was of excellent potable quality,
and the river, during the period it was available, from March to November, afforded ample quan-
- t i t y
f o r
b a t h i n g , W a s h i n g c l o t h e s , & c .
IX. Diet.—The staple articles of the sepoys' diet, viz., atta, rice, dhall, ghee and salt, were
supplied by the Commissariat Department under the system of rationing in force for regiments
stationed in Assam. All were of excellent quality during the year, not a single complaint
having been made regarding them. Vegetables, fish and Milk are abundant in the local
bazars, but are exceedingly expensive, and, Were it not for the extra allowance drawn by
this regiment in common with the other Assam corps, all such extra articles of diet would be
beyond a sepoy's means. The men, as a rule, are keen shikaries, and obtain a good supply of deer,
fish, &c. No under-feeding exists. The great majority of the men are Goorkhas, and spend
all their means in food, and are consequently in well-nourished condition. Intemperance is
almost unknown, and, although the corps is, for the most part, composed of Hillmen, very few
are spirit drinkers. Tea is used by all who can procure it, and the coarser varieties can be
Obtained for a moderate price locally.
X. Clothing.- Green cloth uniform is worn from the latter half of October to the end of
April, with great coats at night from December to February; for the remaining period of the year;
half mounting, consisting of cotton drill, dyed green, is worn on all duties. The boots in use
are the British ammunition pattern supplied by English manufacturers; they are all that can be
desired; and since they have been worn, foot-sore has become of exceedingly rare occurrence. The
undress clothing in summer is chiefly light cotton; in the cold season, warm cloth garments
made of Nepaulese or English woollen texture obtains. Both are sufficient and well suited to
the respective seasons.
XI. Duty and employment.— The duties performed by the regiment during the past year
have been lighter than for many years past. The cold weather of 1875-76 being the first
time of the past 12 years in which the regiment or some portion of it has not been engaged
on field service, the rest has had a good effect upon the health of the men. The average
number of nights in bed for each grade was as follows: native officers, 4.25; havildars, 12.66;
naicks, 4.89; buglers, 6.7; 3 sepoys, 7.16.
XII. Exercise, amusements and occupations.— The constant employment of the men at
musketry and other duties leaves little leisure for amusement; whenever occasion offered,
cricket, foot-ball and some athletic games were practised.
XIII. Marches and service.—Excepting the ordinary reliefs of detachments at Sadiya
and Golaghat every six months, no marches took place during the year.
XIV. Hospital.- The hospitals at head-quarters and detachments have been described
in former reports. No additions or alterations Were made during the year, nor were any
necessary. All the hospital buildings Were maintained in excellent order and repaired through
- o u t t h e
y e a r .
Diet.
Clothing.
Duty and
employment.
Exercise, &c.
XV. Sickness, mortality and invaliding.—Strength of the regiment -
Present
775.69
Absent
97.75
Total
873.44
Sickness, mor-
tality and in-
validing.