MY SOMALI BOOK 241 



according to the nature of his load, but it is best to 

 take the former figure in deciding how many camels 

 you want, and then add one extra animal for every 

 ten. As the rations are consumed camels become 

 available for the carriage of trophies. 



For loading, the Somali baggage saddle or herio is 

 required ; it consists of a set of three grass and fibre 

 mats which are tied on to the camel's back with 

 rope to form a pad. These, again, one buys in Berbera. 



For one's own riding one must have a couple of 

 ponies or a pony and a riding-mule — a Somali pony 

 for choice, as it will require less water than an imported 

 animal, and can do without grain, which is a considera- 

 tion. Given a little time one could always get hold of 

 a decent beast in Somaliland, but as in my case, it may 

 not be easy to pick one up in Berbera at short notice. 

 I should not advise a riding-camel under ordinary 

 conditions. The Somali camel is a beast of burden. 

 A good Arab riding-camel is a delightful mount for 

 covering distance and would often be most useful, 

 but he requires grain and a substantial quantity of it, 

 and is often finicky in his feeding ; a Somali, unless 

 he had been in Aden, would not understand him and 

 he would probably be more trouble than he is worth. 

 On the other hand, if you are prepared to go in for a 

 fairly large caravan, by all means get a riding-camel 

 or two from Aden, only make sure they are well chosen ; 

 don't have anything to say to the Arab stirrup-less 

 saddle unless you have already learnt to use it, but get 

 one of the Indian pattern. In any case you must 

 have a pony too. 



Of other animals a few sheep, for one's own eating 



R 



