XVI. 



RECRUITING. 



TO the traveller Nairobi is most interesting 

 as the point from which expeditions start 

 and to which they return. Doubtless an extended 

 stay in the country would show him that problems 

 of administration and possibilities of develop- 

 ment could be even more absorbing ; but such 

 things are very sketchy to him at first. 



As a usual thing, when he wants porters he 

 picks them out from the throng hanging around 

 the big outfitters' establishments. Each man 

 is then given a blanket cotton, but of a most 

 satisfying red a tin water bottle, a short stout 

 cord, and a navy blue jersey. After that cere- 

 mony he is yours. 



But on the occasion of one three months' 

 journey into comparatively unknown country 

 we ran up against difficulties. Some two weeks 



