Drainage.
Latrines.
Water-supply.
Diet.
Clothing.
37
GWALIOR DISTRICT.
I V. Climate.—The year 1874 has been a most favorable one, judging from the reports
of the old inhabitants, and also from the small amount of sickness in Jhansi. The rainfall
during the year amounted to 34 . 4 inches, being 21 inches less than the previous year. Pro-
bably in consequence of the small rainfall the number of cases of rheumatism and fever has
been very small compared with that of 1873. The winds throughout the year were steady
and good.
Climate.
V.Lines.― The native regimental lines are situated about half a mile from the city of
Jhansi, and consist of certainly the worst huts I have ever seen, badly ventilated, badly built,
and, in a few words, quite unfit for human beings to live in. Letting alone the condition of
the huts, the proximity of the lines to the city brings a fearful amount of venereal disease into
the regiment, and would be a sufficient reason for removing the regiment to a distance. The
lines have already been described in former reports. They are kept clean and in good repair.
The drainage round the huts is carefully attended to, and every thing is done to make the
huts habitable.
VI. Drainage.— Jhansi and the surrounding country consists of nothing but natural
water-courses, and in consequence the drainage is perfect in every respect.
VII. Latrines.—Surgeon Linton reports most unfavorably on the re-
gimental latrines, although Surgeon W. A. Gilligan in his sanitary report for
1873 states regarding them—"The general arrangements under this heading
are most satisfactory." Surgeon Linton writes :—
Lines.
The dry-earth system is in use here, and I must say fails entirely, and not only is it a
failure, but before very long the ground on which the latrines are placed will give rise to an
epidemic. The only dry-earth that ever existed here having been used up by former regiments,
and the only available ground consisting of a mass of stones on granite rock, it is very evident
that the dry-earth system, as carried out in Jhansi, must be an entire failure. The ground on
which the latrines are situated is about one hundred yards to the north of the lines, and with
any northerly winds the odour that is wafted over the lines and officers' bungalows is decidedly
most unpleasant ; and this is not due to any want of sanitary measures, but solely to the
absence of earth to cover the excreta.
The regiment-
al latrines.
The matter is under consideration, and I trust before long to see the dry earth system
done away with in Jhansi as perfectly useless and injurious. Every thing is done to
keep the latrines clean and in good order, but I must acknowledge our endeavours are
made in vain, and the whole system is most unsatisfactory. All the old ground is under
cultivation.
VIII. Water-supply.—The water-supply was from wells, and said to be
good.
IX. Diet.—The bazar supplies were good and abundant, and cheap, and
there was not a case of under-feeding in the regiment.
Clothing.—The clothing is suitable to the climate, and Surgeon
Linton remarks that the issue " of a good blue jersey, such as sailors wear,
would prove a valuable addition to the sepoy's kit." Regarding the ammunition
boots, he writes as follows.—" The question of shoes for the sepoy I do not
think will ever be settled until stockings are issued."
XI. Duties.—The duties during the year consisted of the ordinary duties in cantonments,
and ordinary or brigade parades, which have not been excessive and have benefited rather
than injured the health of the men. The number of nights in bed ― 8. 39.
XII. Evercise.—The usual amusements, consisting of gardening, shikar, &c., in addition
to Which a regimental cricket club has been started by the Adjutant. The men appear to like
the game, but how long their liking will last it is hard to say, as the two elevens are much
put out if they are not all allowed to bat at once.
XIII. Marches—The regiment marched from the camp of exercise at Roorkee on the
6th. January, arriving at Jhansi on the 9th February. The health of the men was good, and
nothing of any interest occurred to record.
Duties.
Exercise.
Marches,
XIV. Hospital.—The hospital has been fully described in the reports for 1870, 1871,
1872 and 1873. During the past year a bath-room has been built at the south-west corner,
but excepting for cases of scabies, it is little used.
The hospital is also stated to have been in good repair and free from
over-crowding, but the accommodation was limited. Surgeon Linton states
that, on his arrival at Jhansi, he went to see the cavalry hospital, and was
shown an old building which he was told was used for the cavalry hospital,
but it was in such bad repair that the commanding officer refused to take
it over.
K
Hospital.