3-056-380 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Life on board a troop-ship: inspection of hands and feet, 1873. 'Major W. O. Carlile's sketches of life on board a troopship, though not actually taken, upon this occasion, from the transports now engaged in carrying our soldiers to West Africa, have yet a special interest at the present time. The regulations and habits of daily experience in such voyages were detailed in our former notices. For the prevention of irregularities and excess in drink, and for the preservation of health, the men are subjected to very stringent rules; and it is the duty of their officers to see these rules enforced...The men have to show their bare hands and feet to the medical officer daily, to see that there is no skin disease or scurvy'. From "Illustrated London News", 1873.