Page:McCosh, John - Advice to Officers in India (1856).djvu/159

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IN INDIA.
139

in mind, that more substantial dressing, and a freer use of the suture are more necessary in the field than in a cantonment, so as to meet the probable failure of straps of plaister on the march.

12. FIELD HOSPITAL.—The field hospital is generally placed about 500 yards in rear of the centre of the line,and is distinguished by a large red flag. A field surgeon,a medical Storekeeper,and a number of Assistant-surgeons, are attached to it; and an ample supply of every article requisite for the sick and wounded. A strong mounted guard is allowed for its protection. After a general action, every exertion should be made to get the hospital tents pitched and the wounded collected and attended to. Should an immediate advance be made in pursuit of the enemy, all the wounded should be sent to the field hospital, or should time not admit of that, they must be left on the ground, sending information to the superintending surgeon, who will make arrangements for their care.

13. A STANDING CAMP.—But a general action is not the most trying part of a surgeon's duty in an enemy's country. Circumstances and seasons may render long halts unavoidable; and the ease and indolence, and suspense of a fixed position,becomes a very serious matter. Seeing no enemy,and yet not thinking it safe to go beyond the picquets; every day rife with its rumours of the approach of the enemy, next day to be contradicted; hoping from