DRESS AND APPOINTMENTS. 326 



ers, and from it on my left side depended a plaited rheim- 

 py, eight inches in length, forming a loop, in which dan- 

 gled my powerful loading-rod, formed of a solid piece 

 of horn of the rhinoceros. The larger girdle was my 

 shooting-belt: this was a broad leather belt, on which 

 were fastened four separate compartments made of ot- 

 ter-skin, with flaps to button over of the same material. 

 The first of these held my percussion caps, the second 

 a large powder-flask, the third and fourth, which had 

 divisions in them, contained balls and patches, two sharp 

 clasp-knives, a compass, flint and steel. In this belt 

 I also carried a loading mallet, formed from the horn of 

 the rhinoceros ; this and the powder-flask were each se- 

 cured to the belt by long rheimpies, to prevent my losing 

 them. Last, but not least, in my right hand I usually 

 carried my double-barreled two-grooved rifle, which was 

 my favorite weapon. This, however, I subsequently 

 made up my mind, is not the proper tool for a mounted 

 man, especially when quick loading is necessary. 



I remember having a discussion with the command- 

 ing officer of a regiment of heavy dragoons on this sub- 

 ject, and he and I agreed that nothing can surpass a 

 double-barreled smooth bore for practical utility. When 

 a two-grooved rifle has been once or twice discharged, 

 the bullet requires considerable power to drive it home; 

 and to a mounted man this is extremely inconvenient 

 T consider that no regiment in the service was more ef- 

 fectually armed than my own old corps, the Cape Mount- 

 ed Rifles, who were furnished with short double-barrel- 

 ed smooth-bored pieces, carrying a ball of twelve to the 

 pound, and having stout percussion locks. Give me a 

 weapon of this description to war against the large? 

 game of Africa. To accelerate loading, the hunter ought 

 CO have his balls stitched up in their patches, and well 



