Location.
Barrack.
Clothing.
Duties.
203
EASTERN FRONTIER DISTRICT.
shewn by the numbers treated and days in hospital, the health of the wing may be looked on as
fair. The cases, although numerous, have not been severe as a rule, and have given way to
treatment in a gratifying manner. The influence of the Duffla Expedition on the health of
the wing is not yet apparent. During the continuance of the expedition bowel complaints
were the prevailing diseases.
Deputy Surgeon-General J. T. C. Ross inspected on the 28th February
1875. There was only a small guard in the lines on the day of his visit.
Owing to the lateness of the hour he could not inspect the hospital. He found
fault with nothing connected with the lines, with the exception of the con-
servancy, of which he writes :—" there is no attempt, station refuse was seen
thrown down close to the lines."
Inspection.
Left Wing, 16th (Lucknow) Regiment Native Infantry, Dacca.
The wing has been at Dacca throughout the year. Surgeon F. C. Ghose
furnishes the report.
I fully concur with the opinion expressed in the former report, that the building is much
overcrowded, and I hope that steps may be taken to remedy this serious defect.
Drainage is good in all parts of the cantonments. The general conservancy of the can-
tonment is good. A latrine for the men has been erected on dry-earth system ; it is not used,
as the details which are required for successfully carrying out the system are not yet provided.
The men still have recourse to distant fields, but they do not cause the nuisance complained
of in the report for the year 1872.
The men have been supplied with rations by the Commissariat, which have been generally
good.
Drainage.
Conservancy.
Rations.
The water brought from the middle of the river by means of boats is kept for drink-
ing and cooking purposes ; the supply is ample. The boats are kept especially for the purpose.
The clothing of the men is good, and seem to be very comfortable, especially the winter
one, for the damp climate of the place.
The duties are very light. The hot and relaxing climate prevent the men from taking
special exercises.
Regarding the health of the wing, Surgeon Ghose writes :—
The largest number of admissions during the year due to fever and dysentery, caused by
the malarious nature of the climate.
There has been only three cases of venereal diseases during the year. It is suspected that
the men are given to unnatural practices.
The mortality during the year was 4, 2 in the hospital and 2 out of it. Of the 2
in the hospital, 1 from accident from fracture of the spine, and the other from apoplexy,
while on the other hand there has been unusual increase in invaliding ; this is due to the large
number of old men in the regiment who have served their time who have become unfit for
service under the enervating influence of the climate. A large number is expected to be
invalided during the present year owing to the same cause.
There has been no epidemic among the men ; this is very striking, especially when the
surrounding country and the town of Dacca itself is a hot-bed of cholera and fever. I
consider this is due to great extent to the good drainage of the cantonment.
There were about 10 recruits vaccinated during the last year, but unfortunately no
records of them are kept. I inspected the men, and found only in one the mark could be
distinctly seen.
Water.
Prevalent
diseases.
Deaths.
Epidemic.
Vaccination.
This wing was inspected on the 20th March. Dr. Ross remarks that a
verandah thrown out on the south face of the building (formerly a sugar-mill)
occupied by the men would be a great improvement, as in sunny weather this
side of the barrack must be very hot. Latrines have been built but not used,
as the requisite establishment, carts, &c., have not been sanctioned. These
buildings are badly situated, being separated only by a tank from the married
quarters and within sight of the officers' quarters. The regiment was inspected
in undress, 291 present and is decribed as being composed of a well set-up body
of men. The medicines were sufficient, and instruments all in good order.
The hospital latrine is on a bad plan, and should be altered. On the whole the
inspection was satisfactory.
Inspection.