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SAUGOR DISTRICT
45
With this exception, every single symptom of cholera was wanting. I returned it, in . accord-
ance with orders, as a case of cholera, but I don’t for one instant consider it to have been such.
She had never left her hut, being a Ghosha woman. No fresh case occurred until the 3rd
August, when a sepoy (who had twice walked through the ground where those who had died
from cholera were buried) was admitted to the tent (pitched for suspicious cases) suffering from
diarrhœa, which after four hours turned into cholera. His symptoms were very severe; but he
made a quick and good recovery. The epidemic cannot be traced to any insanitary cause within
the lines. It was soon stamped out here; while it lasted for months among the civil
population.
XIX. Vaccination.—The men are protected either by vaccination or previous attack of
small-pox. The children are vaccinated every year. During the past 12 months, 63 cases were
vaccinated, of which 5 were unsuccessful. The last two were vaccinated from tubes, and I am
not certain as to the quality of the lymph.
Vaccination.
Inspection.—Inspected by the Deputy Surgeon-General of the Saugor.
Circle on the 1st February 1877. Mr. Ross considers that the natural surface
drainage of the line is good, but that stone drains are required for the roadsides,
as from the nature of the soil the present earthen drains silt and fill up in
heavy rainfalls. The latrines are properly managed, and the sewage taken
away to a field, which a native officer of the regiment has rented and from which
he rears paying crops. The objectionable arrangement of private latrines to each
hut still exists ; but they are looked after, as sweepers are kept up and paid for
by the men themselves. In consequence of the scarcity of water last hot
season, an additional well was sunk. The new hospital, which was occupied
in April 1876, is considered to be well ventilated and well raised from the
ground, and is provided with a complete set of out-offices. All the hospital
equipment was in good order in every particular. The inspection of this regi-
ment is reported to have been most satisfactory and creditable to the medical
officer in charge of it.
Inspection.
Head-Quarters and Left Wing, 20th Regiment Madras Native Infantry—Banda.
I. Medical Officer.—Surgeon Joseph Backhouse, Madras Medical Service,
held medical charge of the left wing, 20th Madras Native Infantry, during
the year 1876, and has submitted this report.
II. Location and movements. —The left wing was stationed at Banda from January to
the 13th November 1876 ; and on the 14th November 1876, with the right wing, marched
out of Banda for the Imperial Assemblage, arriving at Delhi on the 16th December 1876,
and remaining there until the end of the year.
Medical
Officer.
Location and
movements.
III. Topography,&c. —The same as in former reports, except that it is necessary to mention
that the Madras lines at Banda are no doubt becoming unhealthy more and more each year,
on account of the increased saturation of the black cotton soil on which they are built.
The site is quite low and level, there being hardly any natural drainage, and the soil is much
polluted with moisture, which is increased during the monsoon weather ; and I am of
opinion that the present state of the soil and position of the lines is more or less the
cause of the large amount of fever which is always present in the left wing and head-quarters.
This matter has been reported to the divisional authorities, with a view to move the
head-quarters of the regiment to a more salubrious spot.
V. Lines, barracks or huts. —The regimental huts are described as being
in a fair state of repair. In some cases, in consequence of the Madras sepoy
being permitted to have a number of relatives living with him in addition to
his family, there has been overcrowding in some of the huts.
I It is reported that, owing to the low site of the lines and slight fall from
them, it is difficult to have efficient drainage ; while during the monsoon
season
the greater portion of the surrounding country is under water. The dry-
earth system of conservancy appears to have worked satisfactorily during the
year. No change has been noticed in the water-supply.
It is stated that the men generally are fairly nourished, but that under-feeding
exists to some extent amongst those who have large families and relatives
to support. The prices of the various provisions were fairly moderate, and
compensation was given for the dearness of rice. Surgeon Backhouse
reports that the men cannot afford to supply themselves with warm under
clothing. During the first ten and a half months of the year, the duty, it is stated
Topography,
&c.
Lines,
barracks or
huts.
Drainage, &c.
Diet.
Clothing.
Duty.