Topography.
Meteorology
and climate.
Lines,
barracks, &c.
Drainage.
Conservancy
and latrines.
Water-supply.
Diet.
Clothing.
Duty. &c.
Exercise.
Marches.
Hospital.
Sickness, mor-
tality and in-
validing.
220
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BENGAL.
III. Topography.—The topography of the station and district has been previously
described.
VI. Meteorology and climate.—The year was what might be considered an average one,
and was in contrast with the previous one, in which there was a comparatively small rainfall.
V. Lines, barracks and huts.— The barracks and huts are the same as occupied by former
regiments ; they are well ventilated, but not in a very good state of repair. There was no
overcrowding.
VI. Drainage.—The drainage is about as good as the nature of the ground will admit of.
A considerable portion of the cantonment is little better than a swamp in the rainy season,
but the ground is so little above the water level, that there is no remedy for this defect.
VII. Conservancy and latrines. —Latrines on the trench system, with movable screens, were
tried, but found unsuitable, on account of the nature of the soil and the structure of the screens;
and the men were allowed to resort to the neighbouring fields. Ordinary rubbish and refuse is
daily carted away from the cantonment.
VIII.
Water-supply. The water supply is obtained from the river Teesta, and appears to
be of tolerably fair quality. Some few cases of goître have been observed, but it is doubtful
if the sufferers relied mainly on the river for their water supply.
IX. Diet.— A11 the men diet themselves and obtain their supplies chiefly from the regi-
mental bazar. The supplies were found to be of good quality; vegetables, although not in great
variety, can be obtained throughout the year. With some exceptions among young recruits and
13 and 14-year service men, the men were sufficiently well nourished. In any case where
there was evidence of underfeeding, the man was admitted into hospital.and dieted there
until fit for duty.
X. Clothing. —Clothing was found to be suitable for the duties upon which the men were
employed. The ammunition boot worn does not appear to be well adapted for marching; young
sepoys generally find it more convenient to march without the boots, and it will be seen the
admissions from foot sores are rather numerous.
XI. Duty and enployment. —The duties have been light and consisted chiefly of the ordi-
nary parades and regimental guards.
X//. Exercise.—A considerable number of the men exercise themselves in the gymnasium
with wrestling, &c.
XIII. Marches.—The wing left Calcutta on the 6th January, proceding by rail to
Sahibgunge, thence by steamer to Caragola, and from there by the ordinary marches to
Jalpaiguri. At starting, the men were extremely weak, and it was with considerable difficulty
they could be kept together. It was found necessary to leave five of the sick at Purneah. A
considerable improvement in the general state of health took place before the journey was
completed.
X I V . H o s p i t a l . —
T h e
h o s p i t a l i s t h e s a m e w h i c h h a s b e e n p r e v i o u s l y d e s c r i b e d . I t w a s
kept in good repair.
XV. Sickness , mortality and invaliding. —Strength of the regiment-
Present
326.17
Absent
82.91
Total
409.08
STATION.
PERIOD.
Strength.
TOTAL NUMBER
OF
Daily
average
number
of sick.
PER CENT. OF STRENGTH
P E R A N N U M .
From
To
Admis-
sions. Deaths.
Admis-
sions. Deaths.
Daily
average
sick.
Head-quarters at Alipore
1st January
6th January
476.
10
1
83.14 128.10 12.77 17.46
Head-quarters, Right Wing,
marching
6th ditto
23rd ditto
255.63
24
1
12.48 201.94 8.37 4. 88
Head-quarters, Jalpaiguri. 23rd ditto
31st December 324.22 397
18
19.65 130.27 5.55 6.06
TOTAL
. . .
. . . 326.17 431
20
20.60 132.13 6.13 6.31
Number of deaths ill hospital 20; out of hospital 23 ; total. 43 ; per cent. of total strength
13.18
, , i n v a l i d e d 4 4 ; , , , ,
13.48
,, sent on sick leave 74 ; ,, ,,
22.68
,, of days spent in hospital, 7,519 ; per admission.17.44 ; per man of total strength
23.05
,, ,, on sick leave 5,390 ; per man. 72.83 ; ,, ,,
16.52
Total temporary loss of service per man of total strength
39.57