SPORT IN MOZAMBIQUE 



from six to seven kilometres 1 per hour. I have known 

 Portuguese officers who, in this fashion, have traversed 

 seventy kilometres in a day. If one wants to see the 

 country, it is, however, preferable to make use of one's 

 legs. When we travel, the machilla heads the march, 

 behind it follow the porters, and then myself, with 

 my rifle in a bandolier and my route-staff in my hand. 

 When I encounter a load in difficulty, I never leave 

 it behind me, I urge on the porter, and arrive with 

 him at the halting-place. This is the sole way of 

 finding oneself, by evening, in camp, with all that is 

 required for its installation. If one halts in a village, 

 it is preferable to demand from the chief a hut in 

 which we can arrange the beds ; in this manner 

 pitching the tent is avoided, and a few minutes are 

 gained at the start the following morning. 



On their arrival at the halting-place the porters 

 lay down their loads, and, under the direction of the 

 cook and some of the mouleques 2 , assist in setting up 

 the camp, while others go in search of wood and water. 

 Under my own supervision the rations of meal are 

 distributed. Supper finished, the servants wash and 

 arrange the kitchen utensils. When camping in the 

 bush, I always give to the least awkward of my men 

 a Martini rifle and two cartridges, to repulse a possible 

 attack of lions. I myself, after having carefully 

 cleaned my weapons, load my smooth-bores with 



1 A kilometre = about 5 furlongs. 



* A name given by the Portuguese to native servants. 



(28) 



