Medical
Officer.
Location and
movements.
Improvements
in drainage.
Excavations.
Conservancy
and latrines.
Water-supply.
Diet.
Clothing.
Boot s. Dut i es. Exer ci se, &c.
Hospital.
Meteorology
and climate.
Lines and
huts.
Drainage.
29
ALLAHABAD DIVISION.
An average of 90 women yielded 336 admissions (17 for primary syphilis and
190 for gonorrhœa). The percentage of admissions among European soldiers
was 226. Inspections are held weekly.
2nd Regiment Bengal Cabalry—Segowlie.
I. Medical Officer.—Surgeon-Major F. Parsons has held medical charge
throughout the year.
II. Location and movements.—
The head-quarters have been at
Segowlie during the year. There
have been four detachments, one
a squadron at Barrackpore, which
was relieved in January and
arrived at head-quarters on 21st
February, having been there a
little over 12 months. Two
small detachments, one at Dina-
pore, 13 men, and one at Benares,
11 men, have been furnished as
before. On the return of the
detachment from Barrackpore a
troop was ordered to Gorakhpur.
IV
. Meteorology and climate.— The climate, which is more equable than at most other
stations, has been unusually dry during the year, the rainfall for the 12 months being only
38.77 inches; last year it was 49.95 inches, and the latter fall is about a good average. In
October there is what may be described as supplementary rains, called the “ Huttiah” in the
district, but this year there was none in the above month; in 1876, 7.10 inches fell. Fogs
have been rather heavy during the last two cold months in the mornings—more so than last
year, though the rains ceased so much earlier.
V. Lines and huts.— The usual repairs required after the rains were carried out.
VI. Drainage.—The artificial drainage of the station, previously reported indifferent, has
been altered and re-levels made, but there has since been not enough rain to test the efficiency
of this work. By the lines the main drains were previously too deep, they have been partially
filled in, but by earth from the sides, and in this way the width has been increased to 20 feet,
which is quite unnecessary. The earth should have been taken from elsewhere. The width of
the embankment which surrounds the station has been increased near the officers' quarters, and
several large pits have been filled in, but the excavations made close to the cantonment
boundary for some of these works, and also brick-making, are most objectionable and unsightly,
and on which natives look as convenient places for throwing refuse and other insanitary
purposes. The natural drainage is very poor, and depends, in the rains, upon the amount of
flooding of the river Sikrana, for when the floods are high, there is little or no exit, as they may
extend up to the embankment surrounding the station, in which are sluice gates at intervals.
VII. Conservancy and latrines.—The latrines are on the trench system, and work well,
except for a short time during the height of the rains. The ground is afterwards cultivated.
They are situated outside the embankment of the station towards the river, and I think no
better site could be found.
VIII.
Water-supply.— The drinking and cooking water used by the men is mostly from
good pucka wells, but, like all the water in this district, it is very hard, containing lime, potash,
and probably magnesia in rather large proportions, and frequently causes goitre; but, excepting
a very slightly earthy taste, it is clear and bright, and, i f the precaution of boiling it is taken, as
suggested to the men, it is much improved. The river water is considered to be rather softer,
but is at most seasons of the year less clear than that from the wells. The horses of the
corps may be watered at the river, but are generally supplied by bhisties. Clothes are washed
in the river, but mostly in a back-water below the lines.
IX. Diet. —There has been no change under this heading since last report. The regimental
bazar is kept clean and well supplied; the quality of the different articles is frequently
examined, and no underfeeding has been observed. Vegetables, meat, and especially grain of all
kinds, used by the men have been cheap or moderate in price during the year.
Under the head of clothingt h e m e d i c a l o f f i c e r r e m a r k s t h a t t h e m e n d o
not make sufficient allowance for the difference of temperature between midday
and morning and evening. The men wear long jack-boots when mounted and
small native shoes at other times. No cases of blistered feet occur. Duties
are light; nights in bed 8.20. The usual cavalry sports are practised, and some
of the men engage in shikar occasionally. The hospital affords good and
sufficient accommodation, and is amply furnished with beds and bedding.
YEAR.
STATIONS.
PER CENT. OF STRENGTH.
Admissions. Deaths. Daily sick.
1872
. Bareilly, February 1870
66.
. 8 7
3.16
1873
.
Ditto
66.1
. 2 3
2.63
1874
. Fyzabad, March 1874
85.5
. 6
3.2
1875
. Segowlie, February 1875
64.4
. 2 1
2.64
1876
.
Ditto
.
62.27
1.53
2.42
Average
.
.
68.85
. 6 8
2.81
1877
. Segowlie
.
.
.
58.09
. 8 7
2.43
11