CHAP. III. ELAND. 153 



sure to be near water, and water in the tropics generally 

 means reeds. Half a dozen large bundles will be suffi- 

 cient, which can be cut in the same number of minutes. 

 On their arrival build the hut in the following manner, 

 and let the men, meanwhile, cut grass, of which there is 

 certain to be plenty, at least during the wet season : — 

 Steady the two posts in the ground about seven feet or 

 eight feet apart, and place the ridge-pole on the forks ; 

 then scrape a furrow an inch deep parallel to it, into 

 which stand the reeds in layers, putting the larger cross- 

 ways, and binding them together with the bark of monkey 

 rope, or of almost any tropical thorn or creeper, which a 

 boy will prepare in a couple of minutes. The reeds are 

 then resting on the ground and ridge-pole, enclosing a 

 space of at least seven feet long by three feet six inches 

 or four feet broad at the bottom, rapidly narrowing to the 

 top. On the side away from the wind leave room enough 

 for a doorway, beside which the fire ought to be lighted. 

 One or two bundles of grass put over the ridge-pole and 

 the adjoining post will make the hut quite sufficiently 

 waterproof for all ordinary weather, though, if there is 

 any danger of a thunderstorm during the night, a small 

 drain should be cut across the upper end, as a running 

 stream of cold water down one's back is not pleasant. 



When a hut is required in an uninhabited country 

 for several days' use, a large well-finished one of the 

 above description will be found most comfortable. Dur- 

 ing dry and hot weather the two ends can be left quite 

 open, causing a draught of air to pass over you ; while if it 

 is winter and cold, an extra quantity of grass round the 

 sides to keep the wind out, and a great fire as close as 



