of the Troops at Kurnaul. 71 



Light Infantry, being flooded from the water pouring on them from 

 the ground to the north. 



There is a wide extent of ground between the European Infantry 

 lines and Hospital, upwards of 1,000 yards in breadth, and south- 

 wards to the Church, where water flowing from the north, lies for 

 many days and weeks exposed to intense solar heat, and which, by 

 a broad and sloping water-course cut from west to east, gradually 

 deepening as it approaches its termination in the canal, is capable of 

 thoroughly draining, and thus drying up, or removing, one of the most 

 obvious and productive sources of malaria on the east flank of can- 

 tonments. 



These measures would effectually remove the most obvious and 

 productive sources of malaria, and might contribute in a great degree, 

 to restore to Kurnaul its former high character, as one of the most 

 healthy stations in this Presidency. 



We would refer to the station of Dinapore in proof of the beneficial 

 effects of an efficient system of drainage. The cantonment of 

 Dinapore is situated in a declivity, sloping from the river to a nullah 

 in the rear of the barracks into which the drains of the cantonment 

 empty themselves, and to the admirable construction of these drains, 

 which empty themselves with all the velocity of sluices, the dryness 

 and cleanness of the Station is referrible. 



I agree in opinion with the present Surgeon General Dr. Panton, 

 that much might be done to restore the salubrity of Kurnaul in 

 ordinary years, and in seasons during which there is a regular distri- 

 bution of rain, and in seasons characterized by heavy falls of rain 

 succeeded by long intervals of dry and oppressive weather, such as 

 those of 1823, 1829, 1841, 1842, and 1843, it is probable that the 

 measures proposed, comprising an efficient system of drainage, would 

 suffice to prevent a recurrence of the severe paroxysmal fevers, 

 which have occurred there in the years above indicated. As it is 

 beyond the power of human foresight to foresee the recurrence 

 of similar seasons these measures must be taken, should Government 

 cancel its resolution of abandoning the station. The dismantling 

 and abandoning the station of Kurnaul, as a residence for European 

 troops, must entail on the Government a loss, estimated at the most 

 moderate computation of three lacks of rupees. The sacrifice of 

 private property, also consequent on this step, may be estimated at 

 a similar amount, for which no compensation is allowed. 



