ch. xvi.] Modes of Travelling. 329 



heap of sand makes a capital cushion for the limb, and 

 also helps to hold it in position. Of course professional 

 aid must be had if possible, and all whose business calls 

 them far from it should be wise enough to gain the know- 

 ledge requisite to preserve life and limb as far as is. 

 possible without professional skill. 



Modes of Travelling. — The only sure method of 

 progression in a wild land is on foot ; now and then 

 ponies or buffaloes are obtainable, and along the coast, or 

 where there are rivers, journeys may be wholly or partially 

 made in native boats. In walking journeys, the first care 

 is boots. These, for hot climates, should be strong, and 

 of English make, but light. Woollen socks are softer 

 and better suited to tender feet than cotton ones. Native 

 guides should be obtained from some one in authority, 

 and passports are desirable, if not actually essential. 

 Buffaloes are often useful for riding, carrying heavy 

 baggage and rice, and for crossing rivers. For the latter 

 service two or three good water-buffaloes, accustomed as 

 they are to the country and fords, are invaluable. Get a 

 good buffalo-driver. In crossing rapid fords, keep the 

 buffalo's head to the current, and take him well up 

 stream, so as to allow for the force of the current, 

 or you will find yourself below the ford, and perhaps in 

 deep water, ere the opposite bank is reached. Ponies 

 are best for riding (a saddle should be taken out from 

 Europe), but are not as a rule so useful for river crossing 

 as water-buffaloes. Nearly all coast natives are good 

 sailors, and accustomed to make long boat journeys. 

 Every traveller, however, should understand how to sail 

 a boat for himself. A compass is useful for bearings 

 either in boats or for forest travel, where it is often 

 difficult to see the sun. 



