REPORT ON THE CANTONMENT OF KOLHA'PUR.

      The cantonment of Kolhápur is situated on high ground over the valley of
the Panchganga river, and is about a mile distant from the town, which lies to
the south-west of camp. It occupies an area of rather more than 663 acres, and
the country all round is open, and cultivated towards the river.

      2. The roads throughout the cantonment are well kept, and great attention
is evidently paid to prevent the lodgment of water, the natural drainage being
extremely good.

      3. There is only one regiment quartered here—the 3rd Native Infantry,
670 strong—the lines of the Kolhápur Infantry being outside camp limits. The
officers' bungalows and the mess-house are on the highest part of camp, and the
Native Infantry lines have been built also on the top of a spur, from which there
is a good fall towards the river.

      4. The sepoys' huts consist of pendalls, built in two divisions, separated by
a broad street in the centre, and each of these contain 16 blocks. These, however,
are not of good construction, as they are not sufficiently raised above the surface
of the ground, the level of many of the huts being below it, no plinths having
been provided. The roofs are tiled, and afford the only means of ventilation to
each room when the door is closed. In the corner of each hut is a nanee, where
the men wash, and the water from these places passes out through a hole in the
wall, and soaks into the ground outside. The walls are built of sun-dried mud
bricks, plastered over.

      5. Permanent latrines of the standard plan were provided for the use of the
regiment occupying these lines, but they are not now used, and the trench system
is adopted; but one of the most important points connected with it has not been
carried out, as the ground, after being manured, is not cultivated. It is, in my
opinion, very desirable that it should be. I was informed that the sepoys do not
like the trench system on account of the want of privacy, and that they, of their
own accord, walk beyond camp limits and ease themselves in the fields. Six
sweepers are allowed by Government, and four additional ones are paid out of
regimental funds, to keep the trench latrines clean.

      6. The regimental hospital was originally built for Europeans, and is
excellent in every respect. Dr. Johnson, the surgeon of the regiment, however,
pointed out that the house accommodation provided for the hospital subordinates
is not quite what it should be, and I think their huts might be improved with
advantage. Some of their quarters were not originally intended for dwelling-
places. A cook-room and a latrine are also required for their use.

B 221—1 f