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MY SOMALI BOOK 



the concentration on the coast, conditions have changed. 

 We have given up the idea of smashing the Mullah 

 Mahomed AbduUa, and, apparently, of any longer 

 exerting any measure of administrative control in the 

 Interior. Instead we have provided, and continue to 

 provide, the friendly tribes with rifles and ammunition 

 to defend themselves against the Mullah. Apart from 

 conflicts with this gentleman, it was only to be expected 

 that the above measures would lead in some degree 

 to a renewal of the inter-tribal raiding which had gone 



out of fashion under our regime ; and this is what 

 has happened. It is probable, therefore, that for a time 

 conditions in the Interior will be so far unsettled as 

 to render shooting expeditions inadvisable ; and that 

 when allowed, stronger escorts will perhaps be insisted 

 on. But what is of more importance to the hunter 

 and naturalist is the probable effect upon the game 

 of the recent wholesale distribution of fire-arms. The 

 antelopes are bound to suffer. 



This distribution was undoubtedly necessary, given 

 the policy of concentration on the coast. I do not 



