118 WITH BOAT AND GUN IN THE YANGTZE VALLEY. 



First. — Be sure that the name of the place where the boat is at anchor is known to you and to 

 the coolie who accompanies you, and see that the flag is properly hoisted. If the boat is lying 

 under a high bank, have the flag made fast to a long bamboo fixed securely on the top 

 of the bank, or, if a tree is near, fasten your bamboo flagstaff to one of the top branches. 



Second. — On starting take due note of the direction of the wind, which usually is 

 quite steady in the N. E. Monsoon season, and if you can manage it, get as a beater to 

 accompany you a native from the place where the boat is anchored. Ascertain by your 

 compass the bearings of the creek where the boat is at anchor, and note the general 

 direction (as compared with the position of the boat) of the line of country you propose 

 to work over. Keep this in mind, and from time to time, whilst in sight of the flag, look 

 back and see if your idea of your position is correct. 



Third. — Take note of any conspicuous tree, mound, house or other object which is 

 likely to assist you in finding your way back. In fact keep your eyes open. 



Lastly. — When not certain of your position, sit down and think for a moment or two, 

 calculate coolly how long you have been walking, and when you last caught sight of the 

 boat flag, allow 2^ miles per hour for the distance travelled, and call to mind whether you 

 turned to the right or left after losing sight of the flag, consult your compass, and then 

 walk in a direction as nearly as you can ascertain, at right angles with the creek, the 

 bearings of which you took before starting; in nine cases out of ten the flag will be 

 discovered before you have walked any great distance, or you will come to some object 

 which you recognize as having taken note of on your outward journey, and which will 

 assist you in shaping your course for the boat. 



Losing the boat. — if, notwithstanding the foregoing precautions, you lose your 

 way in the country, and find the darkness coming on and no boat in sight, make for the 

 nearest rising ground, if any is in the neighbourhood, and if the flag or light is not 

 anywhere visible, /r^ two shots in rapid succession, counf^O, and then fire two more shots, keeping 

 a bright look-out meantime for a rocket, blue light, or for a return signal from the boat ; — 

 after waiting for a few moments, should no, notice be taken of your signal, repeat it at 

 intervals, for say a quarter of an hour. If without result, walk to the nearest village and 

 ask your way to the boat through your coolie, or by signs if you cannot muster sufficient 

 Chinese words. If you can obtain the desired information walk in the direction of the 

 boat, firing off your gun every now and again, until all hope of finding her is at end. 



There is then nothing for you to do but to make up your mind to pass an uncomfort- 

 able night in a Chinese village, or on board a native boat. Pick out the most respectable 

 house (a farm house for choice) and ask for a night's lodging ; it will seldom be refused, and 

 a few small coins will speedily cause the production of some tea, eggs, rice, or other 

 "chow-chow," which, though not so tasty as "pot," or so satisfying as a "rumpsteak and 

 onions," will be helped down by that best of sauce — hunger ; lucky will you be if you 

 can find a little whiskey in your flask, and a "baccy" in your cigar case. A few bundles 

 of clean straw for a shake-down and a game bag for a pillow will give you a taste of 

 "roughing it," which if not exactly pleasant, will at least be something to talk about when 

 you once more get your legs under the mahogany. But take a native boat for choice. 



Signals.— When it is evident to the party on board the boat that one of their number 

 is missing at nightfall, signals should be made by firing off their guns from time to 



