78 MANUAL OF THE NLIAGIRI PTSlRICT. 



CHAP. IV, troops serving in that part of India. It is a light refreshing 

 PART III. beverage, possesses tonic properties from chiretta or other bitters 



Wellington, that is added to improve its quality, and its use proves a great 

 Medical saving to Government. Spirits are not allowed under any 



Climate, &c. circumstances, except in cases of sickness, to be issued to the 



convalescents at this depot, and yet, on reference to the returns, 



it will be seen what a large number of cases of intemperance are 

 treated, showing that it is obtained clandestinely to an enormous 

 extent. 



Amusements. The race-course, which is the great centre of attraction in the 

 month of May, is situated in a valley to the south-east. It is 

 well sheltered, planted with short grass, is kept in first-rate order, 

 and, except for one or two sharp turns, is considered a favorite 

 course by sportsmen. There is an excellent cricket ground on 

 the course with a good pavilion, where tiffin is provided. Matches 

 usually occur weekly, in which persons join from Ootacamand, 

 Coonoor, and Kotagiri, Here foot-ball also might be played. 

 Badminton and Lawn Tennis, and Archery are among the 

 sports. At the barracks they have reading rooms, where many 

 newspapers — Indian and English — are taken in. Games, such 

 as drafts, chess, bagatelle, and cards are played and theatricals 

 performed. Out-of-doors there are a fives^ and racket courts and 

 a skittle alley. 



There is a good coffee-shop connected with the depot, looked 

 after by an officer, where men may obtain refreshments at a 

 moderate rate. 



Duties of the The duties of the troops, which are light and conducive to 



troops. health, consist of short parades, route-marches, inspections, and 



fatigue duties, the latter consisting in carrying the rations, 

 working the fire-engines, looking after their barrack-rooms, 

 superintending the filters and out-houses. Except for the latrines, 

 no native servants are allowed. 



The guards consist of the main guard furnishing four senti-ies 

 under the command of a Sergeant — one over the magazine, one 

 over the prisoners, and two over the cash-chests ; and, when 

 there are cell-prisoners, a Corporal's guard furnishing one sentry 

 is detailed, and when there are court-martial prisoners in hospital 

 a guard of the same strength is required at the hospital guard- 

 room, as under ordinary circumstances no hospital guai'd has been 

 considered necessary. 



Serge and woollen cloth clothing is worn by the troops 

 throughout the year, and at night the sentries, especially during 

 the cold weather, wear their great coats. The parades do not 

 take place very early in the day ; that of church and inspections, 

 as a I'lile, at 1 1 o'clock. 



