CLEANLINESS 



of green rot-proof canvas, which is supported, when 

 in use, by a wooden framework. A cold bath should 

 never be taken in Africa, but a hot one with a small 

 amount of mustard thrown in has a most invigorating 

 effect, and relieves stiffness, aches and pains in a way 

 that would hardly be believed until it is tried. This 

 bath folds up in a very small space, and weighs 

 8 lb. The japanned steel bath that is often used by 

 travellers and officials in Africa, though more com- 

 fortable, is impracticable for transport by camels, for 

 it is too bulky and would soon be smashed, or at 

 any rate be so badly damaged by contact with the 

 branches of trees as to be rendered completely 

 useless. 



If some kind of antiseptic soap be used, such as 

 Izal soap, the risk of contracting skin diseases, and 

 even prickly heat, will be diminished, while it also 

 alleviates the irritation caused by the bites of various 

 insects. Great care should be taken of the teeth, and 

 a good mouthwash should be included among toilet 

 requisites ; for the teeth quickly decay in hot climates, 

 and the gums often become sore from eating the 

 tough and stringy meat of wild animals, and from lack 

 of fresh fruit or vegetables. The traveller cannot 

 fail to notice the care bestowed on their teeth by 

 the Somali, and in this particular they may well be 

 imitated. 



Scrupulous cleanliness should also be observed 

 with regard to the canteen and to cooking appliances 

 generally. I cannot do better than to quote the 

 advice given in the Royal Geographical Society's 

 Hints on Outfit. Dr. Harford says in that invaluable 

 little book : ^ " A food box should be carried, consisting 



1 R.G.S.'s Hints on Outfit, by C. F. Harford, M.D., p. 25. 

 290 



