7
PRESIDENCY DISTRICT.
or the adjoining river. It is about as perfect as the nature of the ground and the water level
of the river will admit of. A portion of ground to the north of the lines is a perfect swamp
during, and for some time after, the rains. It is questionable if it could be thoroughly drained,
but there is little doubt a considerable improvement could be effected in it.
VII. Conservancy and latrines. —The conservancy and latrine arrangements were the
same as described in last year's report. They were well conducted, and the lines and latrines were
always in a cleanly condition. A dry-earth system of conservancy for the latrines would be far
preferable, to the one in use.
Conservancy.
VIII. Water-supply. —The water-supply is obtained from tanks. One tank on the parade
ground is reserved for the supply of drinking water. The water in this is clear and free from
any specific taste, but frequently it retains a peculiar, sometimes an offensive, odour ; and this
seems to be a peculiarity of all the tanks at certain seasons. Ablutions are performed in tanks,
but not in that whence the drinking water is obtained. At one time filtered river water was
provided for use in hospital, but the patients declined to make use of it.
The system of dieting was the same as that described in report for 1873.
Under-feeding in the regiment is exceptional, but improper feeding seems
to be more common. Recruits who wanted to obtain their discharge from the
service, and soldiers of over 16 years, in order to get their pension, composed
the small number of those who underfed themselves. Surgeon Duncan
continues—
Water-supply.
Diet.
The practice was put a stop to, in a great measure, by compelling the men to purchase a
sufficient quantity of nourishing food, whether they consumed it or not. It was generally found
that when a man was compelled to purchase the food, he was perfectly prepared to consume it.
Improper feeding is a more difficult matter to contend with. A man may obtain a sufficient
quantity of food, but he does not cook it, or perhaps obtain it in variety sufficient to keep him
in health. From the prevalence of scorbutic symptoms with most other diseases, I conclude the
men have been unable to procure a sufficient supply of fresh vegetable food, and perhaps the
reason why they have not done so is not far to seek. Vegetables are very expensive in the
station, and at some seasons with difficulty procurable, except at a price prohibitive to the sepoy
— much more so to the recruit, with his small nay and the numerous deductions it has to submit to.
X. Clothing.—The clothing was suitable for the climate and season.
The ammunition boots in use are not a good protection for the feet, and they would in
all probability render a large proportion of the men unfit for duty on a long march.
Improper
feeding.
Clothing.
XI. Duties.—The duties have been very heavy, and although no sickness can be directly
traced to them, there can be no doubt the continuous night duty must in time wear down and
e x h a u s t t h e me n a n d p r e d i s p o s e t h e m t o ma n y a i l me n t s . A v e r a g e n i g h t s i n b e d 3 . 0 4 ; d u r i n g
the last three months of the year it was only about 2.5.
As regards the exercise, &c.,o f t h e m e n , S u r g e o n D u n c a n r e m a r k s t h a t
beyond the regular drills and parades, they have very little exercise or amuse
-
ment of any kind and they seem disinclined for all bodily exertion.
He considers the regiment, as a whole, is in fair bodily condition, but
quite destitute of nervous energy. A considerable number of the recruits
and short service men are thoroughly broken down in physique.
XI V. Hospital.—The hospital was described in last year's report. It was found amply
commodious, perfectly adapted to all wants, and kept in thorough repair.
The sick of the detachment, Bengal Cavalry, are accommodated in the same building.
It was also found amply sufficient for their wants, but there is no accommodation for the
hospital establishment of the detachment.
XV. Sickness, mortality and invaliding.—Strength of the Regiment
—
present 613.5, absent 59.7 ; total 673.3.
Duties.
Exercise, &c.
Hospital.
Sickness,
mortality and
invaliding.
STATIONS.
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
sick.
Head Quarters at Barrackpore 1-1-74 31-12-74 488.11
913
12
37.2 187.04 2.45 7.62
Detachment at Dum-Dum . . .
" "
125.4
144
2
2.4 114.80 1.59
1.91
TOTAL
. . .
613.5
1,057
14
39.6 172.27
2.28
6.45
Number of deaths in hospital 14 ; out of hospital 4; total 18; per cent. of total strength . . . 2.67
" invalided . . . 55 " " " . . .
8.16
" sent on sick leave 16 ; " " " . . .
2 . 3
" of days spent in hospital 14,454 ; per admission 13.67 ; per man of " " . . . 21.75
" on sick leave 1,830 ; per man 114.4 ; " " " . . . 2.71
T o t a l t e m p o r a r y l o s s o f s e r v i c e p e r m a n o f t o t a l s t r e n g t h . . . 2421