PRESIDENCY DIVISION, ADEN, AND BOMBAY MARINE.

33

     28.  The Medical Officer of the 21st Regiment N. I., Surgeon-Major Mills, shows in
his report, that the sickness of the regiment was somewhat in excess of the previous
year; it is, however, to be noticed that fever cases had decreased. Surgeon-Major Mills has
forwarded a table which shows, as regards this regiment, that in 1863 the average daily sick
was 14, and in 1872 it was 19. During this period of ten years it had fluctuated, the highest
being 37 in 1865. In 1863, there were 6 cases of cholera, in 1864, 20, and in 1865, 13, since
-which year no case of cholera appears in the returns of the regiment. From the table we
must conclude that the health of the regiment, as regards pronounced disease, has improved
since 1864, though it is to be noticed, that in 1863, there were fewer treated than in any year
since; in this year, however, there were 6 cases of cholera, all of whom died. It is possible
that decrease of board of ship service has reduced the amount of disease, and that Vehar:
water and line sanitation have likewise had a powerful influence. If good and plentiful food
and more purity of air could be added, the physique of the men would not be, what it is stated
to be, below " par." At one period of the year, the hospital accommodation was found to be
insufficient; the sick of the detachment of the 11th Regiment N. I., were, therefore, ordered to
be treated in the more commodious hospital of the 19th Regiment. A bathroom has been.
built at each end of the hospital verandah, and a covered way made to the latrine.

     The Hut drainage system of these lines, has, in addition to being brought to notice in my
last year's report, now engaged the attention of the Brigadier-General, who called on the Me-
dical Officer in charge, then Surgeon Seward, M.D., to report upon it. At my recent annual
inspection, two of the tubs or barrels were opened, a portion of the earth taken out, enclosed
in closely fitting tin canisters, and forwarded to the Chemical Analyser to Government, whose
report has been forwarded to the Brigadier-General with certain suggestions for the early change
of the present system; and as an addendum to the report of a mixed committee, which was
convened to take the subject into consideration, Mr. Lyon's report was forwarded on the 15th
ultimo.

     The health of the detachment of the regiment does not call for much remark. The Sub-
Assistant Surgeon's account of the island of Kishin, would show it to be an extremely malarious
place.

     29.  The 26th Regiment N. I. is gradually recovering from a long continuance of ill health,
which appeared to culminate on its being subjected to dengue, which passed from the city to
the camp. The regiment marched into Nasirabad at the end of 1870, having been pre-
viously quartered at Baroda. During their stay at Nasirabad, the regiment suffered greatly
from fever; in the year 1871, 1,311 cases were admitted, while in 1872, quartered in Surat,
where the regiment arrived by wings in January and March, only 748 cases were entered.
Cholera appeared in the month of August, having, notwithstanding all precautions, passed from
the city: 13 cases occurred, of whom 4 were soldiers, and 2 of whom died. It is very neces-
sary that a shed should be erected for the reception and treatment of contagious and infectious
disease, and I have submitted a suggestion to this effect to the Major-General Commanding.

     Assistant Surgeon McConaghy, M.D., in medical charge, has sent, with his annual report,
one on the dengue as it appeared in this regiment. When I inspected the hospital, lines, &c.,
the men were, to all appearance, rapidly recovering health and strength.

     30.  The lascars of the Grand Arsenal and Gun Carriage Department have lines in Lower
Colaba; these are located unfortunately with regard to sanitary conditions; closed or blocked
in on all sides, ventilation is of the most imperfect description; they have, close in front of
them one of those municipal features of the city, a large latrine, the stench from which, even to
lascars, is a source of disquet and abhorrence. The sweepers' lines, too, are close to them. I
found in the lines themselves little to complain of. During the rains, when a few cases of cholera,
appeared, there was a state of affairs of a very objectionable character reported on by Surgeon
Seward. The officers and men with whom I spoke all complained of the place, and begged my
intercession for their removal. This will probably form part of a question for native soldiers'
accommodation in Bombay. For the present, prevention of overcrowding by family visitors
from the districts should be most carefully attended to, as much as the cleanliness of the lines
themselves. When I inspected the lines, many children were found unvaccinated; they had
recently arrived with other family members from their villages. These people surreptitiously
find lodgings in places already all too small, and doubtless, at times, bring with them those
diseases it is the endeavour by careful attention to prevent. To this cause was to be attri-
buted the cholera in the rains.

     The lascars have a considerable strength, averaging during the year 453.

     9 s