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Scientific Memoirs by

larger receptacles, water, and not dry earth, is frequently used, and this dangerous
office is done just behind the latrines, with spilling and pollution of the soil.
Next, there is the transfer of the excreta from receptacles to the carts; and what
is to be said of the carts? Are they ever properly cleansed; if so, how ? On
their way to the trenching-ground they spill filth and stink abominably, and, as
they cannot be properly cleansed, they continue to stink and attract flies on their
return. Major Davies, R. A. M. C., the first and the most reliable authority, to
whom I am indebted for information on these points, says: "the whole question
of cleaning these fouled articles is most difficult."*

     As regards Native Troops, the regulation plan of a movable latrine is an
improvement on the old fixed arrangement; but they are often not moved, and
consequently the ground around is fouled and gets no purification from
sun-action. When the latrine is moved, it is directed that the site should be
cultivated, but this is often not attempted and is in many places impossible,
owing to the nature of the soil and the want of water. "For Native Troops,
followers, &c., the appliances allowed are quite inadequate, and both soil and
air pollution must result." (Major Davies.)

Drainage.

Water-supplies.

     The arrangements for the removal and disposal of cook-house and lavatory
waste also leave very much to be desired,†and the same may be said of
the whole system of drainage generally; our methods for the removal of
waste are of a disconnected and piecemeal character; they are not self-acting and
organically integral, but leave too much to fallible human agency, with the obvious
consequence of soil-pollution, to which the risk from insect pests as vehicles of con-
tagion, is added. The danger is enhanced by the nature of our water-sources;
chiefly wells sunk in the inhabited site and tapping a frequently high and fluctuat-
ing ground water; and these wells are too often insufficiently protected from the in-
fluences and vicissitudes of the dramatically changing meteorological conditions,—
at one time drought, dust and high winds, with loosening of surface and subsoil,
at another, the persistent penetrating deluge of the monsoon rains.

"Trenching," a
failure.

     If, by very special efforts under favourable circumstances, the soil of the inhab-
ited site is secured against more obvious pollution, what are we to say of the
trenching-grounds? Here again we too often find failure in the carrying out of
the well-known principles by which alone we may deserve immunity from harm,
even if our present knowledge would permit us to in dulge the assurance that once
committed to the soil with the most scrupulous attention to details, all danger is
obviated. A hard and fast rule is applied to the whole of India with its varying

               *Letter to present writer.

               †Quarter Master General's letter, previous reference.