RAWAL PINDI DIVISION.
151
II. Location and movements.--The regiment began the year at Peshawar, marched thence
on 28th February to Talagang, where it arrived on 18th March, since which date it has
remained at that station occupying the lines vacated by the 19th Punjab Native Infantry.
The only detachment of the year left head-quarters on 8th April proceeding to Attock, and
it rejoined at Talagang on 7th November ; 175 men marched out, but the average strength of
the party during the 214 days of its absence was 157.90.
M. Topography and physical geography.—This cantonment is only 7 years old, and
extends over a space of only 800 by 900 yards, or about a quarter of a square mile, on
a raised plateau 65 miles south-west of Rawal Pindi and 87 west of Jhelum, about
1½ miles from the small town of Talagang, and 1,600 feet above the sea level. The
population of the cantonment is only 1,392, all of whom are attached to the regiment
or to the movable column carriage which is kept up throughout the year. In all directions there
are high and open plateaux cut up by ravines, nullahs and beds of rivers mostly dry at this
season. The level places are usually well cultivated, and there is a fair show of trees in the
neighbourhood. The soil is a light sandy loam which extends to a depth of about 16 feet. It
is described by those who have seen it after heavy rain, as being a singularly ." thirsty" soil.
The natural drainage is good, and the ground is quickly dry after the heaviest rain. The
superficial drains appear to serve only to give a direction to the outflow of the water
The rains are described as having been scanty and irregular, there being hardly any
" rainy season" so-called, but rain falls in nearly every month in the year ; sometimes
only a few drops, and at others in very heavy showers. The rainfall is reported by
the Punjab Gazette to have been only 13 . 9 inches from April. 1st to December 31st.
There is a very general consensus of opinion, since the station was formed, as to the
healthiness of Talagang, and I am certainly very favourably impressed with the place, but
it would be foolish in me to give a positive opinion after one week's experience of it in the cold
weather.
Location and
movements.
Topography
and physical
geography.
Ir. Lines, &c.—The lines are well situated and in good order, clean and well cared for in
every way. The buildings are unchanged in plan since Dr. Veale's report of the 19th Punjab
Native Infantry published in the Sanitary Report for 1873. For this season and climate the
accommodation and ventilation are, I think, both sufficient and satisfactory. The mud-brick
walls and mud roofs are not, perhaps, very well suited for intense heat, or for heavy and continuous
rain ; but will probably be found, as they have been in the past years, healthy in a climate like that
of Talagang. From April to October many men are away on leave, and this year one-fourth
of the regiment was absent on detachment during the whole of the hot weather, so that there
was certainly no overcrowding at any time. So far as I am able to form an opinion, I
should say that no disease originated from preventible causes in this station. The lines
show proofs of constant care and attention. The paths are well kept, .the walls and floors well
" leeped" and the trees planted in the lines are cared for and are reported to be improving. The
bazar is clean and in good order. The zenana lines on each flank are clean and in good order,
and additions are being made to them.
Vt. Drainage.—The drainage is simply superficial, and the drains, though small, are kept
in good order. I have no experience of the station after heavy rain, but the natural drainage
appears to be very good and effective.
Lines, &c.
Drainage.
Donservancy.
Conservancy.—There are tame movable latrines 200 paces from each wing m i t h
trenches which are regularly prepared and filled in due course, the latrines being shifted
accordingly. I have visited these without notice twice. There has been no bad smell, and
nothing to find fault with, There are also latrines of the same kind on each side of the zenana
lines which are reserved for women and children. These also are in good order and want
nothing but frequenters. The zenana lines and bazar contain small private latrines, and I
have found these places in good order. The urinals on each flank of the regiment are much
resorted to; their presence conduces, doubtless, much to the cleanliness of the lines ; their
position is changed once a month. The conservancy cart is efficient, and the filth is removed
twice a day to a long distance from the station, no nuisance being created.
VIII. Water-supply--The drinking water is procured exclusively from three wells : one
near the hospital, and one in front of each wing. They are good,. pucka built, and well pro-
tected, and yield excellent water at an average depth of 136 feet. I do not consider that three
wells are sufficient for the whole cantonment ; for, although they are said never to have been
dry this year, it is admitted that they contained at times but very little water. Their great
depth causes much trouble to the bhisties ; it is the Work of two men to draw water, and in the
hot season their hands are said to be much cut. There is a want of some mechanical appliance to
assist them in raising water, as well as of more wells. Bathing is resorted to in a constructed
tank some 400 yards to the west front of the regimental lines. At this time it holds about
five feet of water at its deepest part; in the driest weather it is said never to contain less than
two feet. It is said to fill in an hour, when heavy rain falls.
Water-supply.
I.X. Diet.—The common articles of food, except rice and urhur dall, are very abundant and
cheap here, probably because there are no ready means of sending them away. Vegetables are
scanty owing to deficient supply of water, but the: demand is small, and those which are
obtainable are cheap. An optional ration of rum is allowed, on payment, to Sikhs; &c., but it
is only moderately indulged in,
X. Clothing.—The men wear the usual warm clothing, and in addition every man leas a
poshteen, worn for all night duty as a matter of necessity, and worn as a matter of comfort
almost universally When in undress at this season. It is a very excellent and seasonable
Diet.
Clothing.