THE WATCHFIRE. 209 



The Watch- When upon a hunting excursion, 

 and very often whilst campaigning, it 

 has been an established custom for my people to 

 assemble round the watchfire in front of my tent 

 at sunset, and, if possible, I always attend myself, 

 and see that my head-servant goes round and 

 distributes to each man his rations for the next 

 day, an allowance of tobacco, and, if I have it, a 

 glass of grog. 



After the distribution I always make a point 

 of asking if all my people are satisfied 

 and if anyone has a grievance or complaint 

 to make, I endeavour to settle it then and 

 there. 



Then those who have charge of my animals, 

 such as horses, mules, bullocks, sheep, goats, 

 dogs, and poultry, inform me as to their con- 

 dition ; whilst my head- servant arranges matters 

 concerning the commissariat an important ar- 

 rangement when there are many mouths to fill, 

 and rather a responsible one when all the party 

 depend upon their master's gun for food. 

 p 



