CHAPTER X. 



GENERAL HINTS. 



THE hunter should provide himself amply with bales of white calico, with which 

 to pay his carriers and to buy food with on the road. These can be obtained 

 at the local stores. 



The price of fowls is usually about one yard of calico, or five to six small ones 

 for four yards. 



When he stops at a village the chief will generally make him a present of a few 

 fowls. The women of the village will sweep the ground to place his tent, and 

 provide him with firewood and water. On leaving the village the chief should be 

 made a present of about four yards of calico, in addition to the value of the present 

 he has made. 



The amount depends on the distance from civilisation, but in most parts this 

 would be considered a munificent present. 



The price of a pot of native beer (Moa) is about sixpence. 



Making some long marches in the Loangwa valley the carriers were much exhausted 

 with the heat (107° in shade), and on coming to a village we sent a man to buy all 

 the beer he could get in the village. Only two pots could be obtained, at a shilling, but 

 these were much appreciated, and on continuing the march the carriers, who had 

 been hitherto silent, burst into song: "The white man is owner of moneys, lord 

 of riches, master of wealth," &c., &c. 



If long marches are made it always pays to provide beer every now and then, 

 as it is very nourishing, especially that made of maize. 



Salt is also very useful to purchase things with, and cannot be obtained easily 

 up country, so a supply of common salt in bags should be taken. A handful 

 will purchase a basket of eggs, and some should be given to the carriers to mix 

 with their rice or flour when they are not getting meat. 



The raw natives seldom steal, but if one's boys pilfer sugar, which they are very 

 fond of, they do it in a very whole-hearted way, and in a few days several months' 

 supply may be consumed. 



It is better to put the sugar in small tins holding about enough to last a 

 week, and sealed. This will put the temptation to dip their fingers in, out of their 



