189
PUNJAB FRONTIER FORCE.
months, at Mungrota. The outpost of Draband was occupied by about 18 men, relieved
bi-monthly, from 1st January to 16th March.
IV. Meteorology. —The year was remarkable for its small rainfall, especially in the months
of July and August. Not above seven inches of rain were registered during the year.
V. Lines, &c.— The regiment occupied the lines described in last year's report. They are
kept in good repair; and as one squadron was absent in Quetta and Khelat, there was ample
room for the two squadrons quartered here.
VI. Drainage.—There being no slope of ground in any direction and no streams, there
cannot be said to be any natural drainage. The irrigation canals are quite sufficient to carry
away all the rain that falls, and to prevent flooding from that source in ordinary years. It has
frequently happened, however, that these canals have been themselves overflowed from the Indus,
and then the whole country has been under water, and the station threatened with inundation.
The canals are always dry in the cold weather, as they were for the greater part of this year,
and the drainage of the station, which should be run off, is consequently only absorbed by the
ground. This, however, is so small in quantity, and the conservancy in other points so well
carried out, that it does not seem to be injurious.
VII. Conservancy and latrines. —The latrines for the men are at a convenient distance from
the lines. The dry-earth system is carried out, and the excreta removed periodically, and used
as manure by the zemiudars of the neighbourhood. The stable-refuse is similarly used after
it has been burnt down at a safe distance from cantonments.
VIII. Water .—There is plenty of water always to be obtained from rocks; it is soft and
saline, containing a large quantity of soda, but appears to be free from any injurious impurity.
IX. Food.—The men are obliged to buy their food in the bazar of the regiment, where it is
always good. Although dearer than usual this year, no cases of under-feeding were observed.
X. Clothing.—The clothing for the hot and cold weather is very suitable.
XI.
XI. Duty.—The duty is hard, but not excessive; nights in bed 4 . 6 in 7.
XII. Exercise, amusements,& c.—There were occasional gymkhana meetings, at which
there were racing, tent-pegging, &c.
XIV. Hospitals. —There are two hospitals; one for infectious diseases. They have been
thoroughly repaired this year, and are now in excellent order. The larger hospital used for
ordinary cases is furnished with two stoves, which is insufficient to heat it. There are two
small wards for special cases in this hospital; but as they are without fire-places, they are not
suited for cases of lung diseases.
XV. Sickness, mortality, and invaliding.—Strength of the regiment—
Present
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. 400.75
Absent
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
92.50
Total
.
. 493.25
Meteorology.
Li nes, &c.
Drainage.
Conservancy
and latrines.
Water.
Food.
Clothing.
Duty.
Exercise,
amusements,
&c.
Hospitals.
Sickness,
mortality, and
invaliding.
STATION.
PERIOD.
—
Strength,
TOTAL NUMBER
OF
Daily
average
number
of sick.
PER CENT. OF STRENGTH
PER ANNUM.
From
To
Admis-
sions.
Deaths.
Admis-
sions.
Deaths.
Daily
average
s i c k .
Head-quarters at Dera Ghazi
Khan.
1st Jan. 1877 31st Dec. 1877
250.76
257
2
13.89 102.48
.79
5.53
Detachment at Mungrota .
Ditto
.
Ditto
.
21.48
2
...
.03
.31
...
.14
„
Draband
.
Ditto
. 16th Mar. 1877
17.18
...
...
...
. . .
...
. . .
„
Khelat
. 21st Mar. 1877 31st Dec. 1877
84.95
69
...
2.43 103.66
...
2.86
„
Quetta
. 20th Apl. 1877
Ditto
.
87.91
88
1
4.81 143.28 1.62
5.47
Total
...... ......
400.75
416
3
18.31 103.80
.74
4.56
Number of deaths in hospital, 3 ; out of hospital, 0 ; total
3 ; per cent. of total strength
.60
„
invalided
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
22 ;
„ „
4.46
„
sent on sick leave
.
.
.
.
.
11 ;
„ „
2.23
„
of days spent in hospital,
6,667; per admission
16.02; per man of total strength
.
13.51
„ „
on sick leave, 1,320; per man
.
120;
„
„
2.67
Total temporary loss of service per man of total strength
.
16.18
X 1