22 AFRICAN GAME TRAILS 



sarily on a very large scale; and as we drew up at the station 

 the array of porters and of tents looked as if some small 

 military expedition was about to start. As a compliment, 

 which I much appreciated, a large American flag was float- 

 ing over my own tent; and in the front line, flanking this 

 tent on either hand, were other big tents for the members 

 of the party, with a dining tent and skinning tent; while be- 

 hind were the tents of the two hundred porters, the gun- 



The askaris and porters drawn 



In front of the tent stood the men in two lines; the first containing the 



From a photograph 



bearers, the tent boys, the askaris or native soldiers, and 

 the horse boys or saises. In front of the tents stood the 

 men in two lines; the first containing the fifteen askaris, 

 the second the porters with their headmen. The askaris 

 were uniformed, each in a red fez, a blue blouse, and white 

 knickerbockers, and each carrying his rifle and belt. The 

 porters were chosen from several different tribes or races to 

 minimize the danger of combination in the event of mutiny. 

 Here and there in East Africa one can utilize ox wagons, 

 or pack trains of donkeys; but for a considerable expedition 

 it is still best to use a safari of native porters, of the type 

 by which the commerce and exploration of the country have 



