The Bechuanaland Border Police. 107 



service, enures them to any hardship, makes any 

 difficult}^" a trifle to them, enables them to 

 confront with resolution any vicissitude of march, 

 bivouac, or combat. They are clothed in a 

 tunic and breeches of dark yellow corduroy, very 

 smart and well fitting, and wear a most pictur- 

 esque sombrero kind of hat of the same coloured 

 felt, adorned with a red or blue ribbon, according 

 to the particular troop. Black boots, three- 

 quarters up the knee and partly laced over the 

 ankle, complete the attire. They are armed with 

 a ]\Iartini-Henry rifle, which is carried with its 

 stock resting in a small leather bucket hanging from 

 the saddle on the right side. Across the shoulder 

 hangs a bandolier, holding fifty rounds of ammu- 

 nition. A strong, long sword-bayonet is carried on 

 the left side. Haversack, water-bottle, cloak in 

 front, patrol tin in leather case on the saddle, and 

 a thick, warm rug behind, are also added ; the 

 whole weighing, Avitli the rider, on an average 

 about sixteen stone. The force numbers about 600 

 men, divided into fixe troops. It has been entirely 

 raised and organized by Sir Frederick Carrington, 

 its present commander, and would certainly under 

 him perform the highest services. The men are all 

 well trained in rifle-shooting, many of them being 

 flrst-rate marksmen. The great smartness of their 

 appearance and demeanour would satisfy even the 

 particular and critical eye of H.R.H. the Duke of 

 Cambridge. At Rhodes's Drift the small detach- 

 ment quartered there, consisting of Captain Laurie 

 and thirty men, had, in a space of three weeks, 



