Meteorology
and climate.
Lines.
Drainage.
Conservancy.
Water-supply.
Diet,
Clothing.
Duty and
employment.
Exercise and
amusements.
Hospital.
Warming,
Lighting.
Hospital bed,
ding.
oickness, mor
tality and
invaliding.
IV. Meteorology and climate.– This year June, I understand from natives, has been far
hotter than usual; I heard of several deaths from heat apoplexy both in the city and sur-
rounding villages. In the hospital the thermometer registered sometimes 108° in the veran--
dah. In July there was one day's rain, about 4 inches, much more than the preceding year;
after that none. I believe the usual rain-fall for the year is from 1 to 2 inches; this was an
exceptionally heavy rain.
V. Lines,&c.—The lines were put in thorough repair this year.
VI. .Drainage.—This year, owing to the heavy rains, the drains were not able to carry off
the water fast enough, consequently the whole lines and cantonments were under water for
some hours. The drains are kept in good repair, and in the hot weather were flushed occa-
sionally from the irrigation canals. The main features of the drainage system were described
last year. The arrangements are sufficient.
VII. Conservancy and latrines.—These were described last year; the only alteration is
the substitution of dry earth slightly broken up for the rati or sand used formerly. The
latrine in hospital compound is clean and well looked after.
VIII.
Water-supply.— At the Out-posts of Drigri and Mohammedpore, the water is so
largely impregnated with sulphate of soda that the men use it as a strong purgative, and it
acts most effectually. The ordinary drinking water for Drigri is obtained from a well in the
village of Drigri; that at Mohammedpore is sent daily out on bullocks. As a contrast the water
at Bhundowala, also in the desert, is sweet and good.
IX. Diet .—With few exceptions I think that the men did not under-feed, but in some
cases of Hindoos they undoubtedly did, and on the matter being reported to the commanding
officer they were ordered more food. Brahmins I found most difficult to deal with in hospital,
as they would only take exactly what they thought proper, and one case of dysentery, a
Brahmin, who died, might, I am certain, have recovered, but he persisted in eating nothing but
chupathes, and in consequence, after rallying several times, at last died. The Mohamedans and
Sikhs fed largely on goats and sheep, which are very cheap in the district.
X. Clothing.—I think the clothing is sufficient. The only objection which cannot be got
over is the practice of the Hindoos stripping themselves to cook and eat their food, and many
chest affections are doubtless due to this, as a man coming off parade throws every thing off to
cook, probably in a cutting north wind.
XI.Duty and employment.—The number of continuous nights in bed average 4. The
duty does not seem to affect the men injuriously. This year only the ordinary routine of parades
and guards has been gone through; there were no emergencies to call for extra duty.
XII. Exercise and amusements, &c.—The men are very fond of tent pegging and lime
cutting, and are encouraged very much in this exercise. Hawking is also a favourite amuse-
ment, and most of the men take a keen interest in shooting, being always asking to be allowed
to come out. A few have gardens, but the space available for them is small.
XIII. Hospital.—The hospital is in good repair and fairly suitable, except it is very hot in
summer and cold in winter. As a general rule, there is no overcrowding, but this year I had
wards and verandah full, and tents erected in the compound for the men with ague, but
this was an exceptional year. Angetis are used for warming, and when all the doors are shut
it is comfortable enough, but the hospital is literally all doors.
Ordinary chiraghs are used for lighting.
The men bring their own bedding, rezais, &c. In the case of recruits, this is often very
deficient, and in these cases the commanding Officer orders suffi
cient to be bought. Recruits,
until the first year is over, are very poor, owing to the numerous stoppages, and often find it
difficult to procure proper bedding.
XV. Sickness, mortality and invaliding.— Strength of the regiment,—present 389.8;
absent 116: total 505.8.
STATION.
PERIOD.
Strength.
TOTAL
NUMBER OF
D a i l y a v e r a g e n u m b e r o f s i c k .
PER CENT. OF
STRENGH PER
ANNUM.
From
To
A d m i s s i o n .
D e a t h .
A d m i s s i o n .
D e a t h .
D a i l y a v e r a g e s i c k .
Head-quarters Rajanpur...
Bhundwala
... 1st January 31 Dec. 1874. 328.1
673
5 32.4 205.1
1 . 5
8
Detachment
. . .
, ,
,,
46.24
4
. . .
.5
9.9
...
1.2
„
Drigri
. . .
, ,
, ,
21.50
2
. . .
.4
9.3
...
2
TOTAL
...
. . .
...
389.8
679
5
33.3 174.2
1.3
8.5
Number of deaths in hospital, 5 ; out of hospital, 2 ; total 7 ; per cent. of total strength
...
1.38
, ,
invalided
12 ;
,,
,f
...
2.37
, ,
sent on sick leave
8 ;
7,
,,
1.58
, ,
of days in hospital, 12015'8; per admission
17 . 6; per man
!I
...
23 . 76
, ,
,
on sick leave, 1,440; per man
iotal
180 ;
„
...
2-84
temporary loss of service per man of total strength ...
...
.,. 26.60