8 CASUALS IN THE CAUCASUS 



confidently. " Who else will carry them, I should Uke 

 to know ? " 



It reminded me of the subaltern, just home on leave 

 from India, who was consulted by a friend as to the 

 best way to reach Persia. 



" It's somewhere near India, isn't it ? " said the 

 young warrior doubtfully. 



" Yes." 



" Then take a P. and O. liner to Bombay, of course." 



" And then ? " 



" Oh, then take a camel." 



As it is necessary to obtain permission to import 

 firearms into the Caucasus, the preliminary steps are 

 best taken some weeks ahead, for the mills of Russia 

 grind slowly if they grind exceeding small. An 

 application through our Embassy at St. Petersburg, 

 stating at what point you wish to take in a rifle or 

 rifles, and the approximate date, results, when the 

 matter has almost faded from your memory, in an 

 intimation, also through our Embassy at St. Petersburg, 

 that the head of the Customs at the place specified has 

 been advised of your imminent arrival, and the permit 

 is granted. 



The duty, which is calculated by weight, averages 

 about thirty shillings per rifle, and in spite of all you 

 may say, suggest, or hint, it is insisted that the cases 

 be weighed with the weapons. This is a grand idea, 

 from the point of view of the Customs. 



Although, after any amount of palaver, you have 

 passed your rifles, cartridges form no part of the 

 official programme, — a Gilbertian state of affairs enough. 



