Meteorology
and climate.
Lines, &c.
Drainage, &c.
Water-supply.
X. Clothing.—There has been no change.
Clothing.
63
CENTRAL INDIA.
the only death at head-quarters, and was an example of how quickly these men sink after
any lowering illness, as fever. The case was peculiar, as the man seemed weak, but comfortable,
two hours before death. A post-mortem examination showed no cause of death.
XVIII. Epidemics.—None.
XIX. Vaccination.—Vaccination is objected to by the men, many of whom have had small
-
pox. Only one case, and that of very mild character, occurred during the year.
XX. Recommendations.—The floor of the latrine was recommended to be re-laid, and since
it was done, has answered well. Weekly bathing parades were recommended during the
prevalence of itch among the men, and with good result.
XXI. Special observations.— The number of admissions from. guinea-worm shows a consid
-
erable increase. Full statistics of all the cases are being kept, but it is too soon to draw
any certain conclusions. Recruits are plentiful, but some of them of two or three years' standing
are of small chest measurement, seldom exceeding 32 inches even when fully grown. Although
good walkers, especially up-hill (which is, perhaps, more a matter of footing than of strength),
the circulatory system is very often weak, palpitation being easily excited. This was noticed
in most of the men recommended for discharge.
Epidemics.
Vaccination.
Recommenda -
tions.
special
Observations.
Inspection.—The regiment was inspected by the Deputy Surgeon-General
of the Agra Circle on the 13th November 1876. The lines are reported to have
been in good sanitary condition; the huts were well ventilated, and were not
over-crowded. The water-supply was of good quality and abundant. The hos-
pital can accommodate 24 patients (allowing for each one 59 superficial and
865 cubic feet), and the ventilation of it was good and thorough. The medi-
cines were in sufficient quantity. Dr. Thorpe inspected the men on parade,
and he reports that they were rather small, but strong and sinewy. The sepoys
are meat-eaters, and are indefatigable sportsmen, killing their game with bows
and arrows.
Inspection.
Malwa Bheel Corps— Sirdarpore.
I. Medical Officer. —Surgeon-Major A.D. Campbell had been in medical
charge throughout the year,
and has submitted the fol-
lowing report:—
II. Location and movements.
The corps has been stationed at
Sirdarpore throughout the year,
except from 2nd to 18th March.
On the former date, it marched
for, and on the latter returned
from, Indorp, where it was ordered
to be present during the visit of
the Prince of Wales. There
has been no change in the per-
manent detachments, and, as in
former years, occasional detach-
m e n t s o n e s c o r t a n d o t h e r d u t i e s h a v e b e e n f r e q u e n t .
YEAR.
STATION.
PER CENT. OF STRENGTH.
Admissions Deaths. Daily sick.
1871 . . .
S i r d a r p o r e . . .
83.4
2.04
2.7
1 8 7 2 . . .
D i t t o . . .
117.3
1.02
3.8
1 8 7 3 . . .
D i t t o . . .
111.5
1.5
3.4
1 8 7 4 . . .
•
D i t t o . . .
91.2
.67
3.15
1 8 7 5 . . .
Ditto . . .
120
.67
3.26
Average . . .
104.68
1.18
3.26
1876
Sirdarpore . . .
106.70
1.17
3.07
Medical
Officer.
Location and
movements.
IV. Meteorology and climate.— The rainfall, as in 1875, was unusually small, being only
23.15 inches, while the average for the eight years immediately preceding was 31.67 inches.
V. Lines, barracks or huts.—The sanitary state of the lines has been good, and the huts
kept in good repair during the year. There has been no overcrowding.
VI. Drainage, Conservancy,&c.—No change during the year.
VIII. Water-supply.— A permanent bund of solid masonry has been constructed across
the river Mahi, just below the station; and thus the construction of a temporary bund by
sepoy labour, as in former years, was rendered unnecessary. The result has been most success-
ful, as a fine sheet of wholesome drinking water is secured during the dry season at a moderate
distance from the lines. The usual precautions are taken to keep the water as pure as
practicable.
IX. Diet.—The bazar supplies have been ample, and the prices moderate during the year. Diet.
XI. Duty and employment.— The guard duties, as usual in the corps, have been rather severe,
the average number of nights in bed having been only 3. The health of the men does not,
however, appear to have suffered from this cause. Rifles have been supplied to the corps
Duty and
employment.