EQUIPMENT 251 



injurious to the animals. Any individuals showing 

 special aptitude and smartness for the work might be 

 allowed to assist, but only under supervision. This 

 work should really be done by a special staff of saddlers, 

 under the constant and immediate superintendence of 

 sectional and divisional commanders, in addition to the 

 officer in command, and the vital importance of it can- 

 not be overestimated. 



Under a permanent system with professional drivers Drivers 

 each man ought to be held responsible for the gear *espon- e 

 belonging to his camels, as well as for the proper care 1 fc 

 of it; but even then supervision is necessary. Such men 

 will naturally take a certain amount of pride in looking 

 after both animals and equipment, because they would 

 thoroughly understand that the fitness of the former 

 depended entirely on the excellence of the latter, while 

 on both depended their own welfare, besides the general 

 efficiency of their own particular section, division, and 

 company directly, and of the service at large indirectly. 

 These, at least, are the principles that should be imbued 

 into all ranks, for without them you cannot expect to 

 arrive at that pitch of excellence which is absolutely 

 essential to success. Hired drivers should also be made 

 responsible for their animals and equipment, under 

 exacting and constant supervision ; but while trying to 

 get all you can out of them, expect as little as possible, 

 and do not let your expectations run away with your 

 judgment. 



