CHAPTER II 

 THE SPORTSMAN'S OUTFIT, BATTERY, SERVANTS 



THE first matter to be taken in hand by a sportsman after 

 his arrival in Mandalay is to look about him for a good 

 servant, cook, interpreter, and table-servant combined in one, if 

 he wishes to economize. Madrassie servants who have already 

 served in the out-of-the-way hilly stations of Upper Burma, 

 where they have become acclimatized, and who talk English and 

 Burmese fluently, are the most useful men to accompany one 

 on a shooting expedition of this sort, but as a rule these men 

 are great rascals and much too fond of drink. They may also 

 be picked up in Rangoon, and it would perhaps be as well to 

 engage one there if possible, as he would then look after his 

 master's property and wants en route to Mandalay. Messrs. A. 

 Scott and Co., Merchants, Bankers, and Agents, Merchant 

 Street, Rangoon, would be able to assist the sportsman in 

 many ways, such as in getting together not only the necessary 

 servants and kit which may be required, but also stores, liquor, 

 ammunition, and, in fact, almost any other thing that may be 

 wanted for making one comfortable during a prolonged stay 

 in the jungle. Should the sportsman have a stock of liquor 

 with him, such as whisky, beer, etc., he should keep these 

 things if possible under lock and key letter-padlocks are the 

 best as " Ramsawmy " is particularly addicted to helping 

 himself freely from his master's bottle whenever an occasion 

 offers. Should money be a secondary consideration, I would 

 suggest the sportsman engaging a Burmese " lugale " or table- 

 boy, who will wash clothes, clean boots and guns the last 

 should always in my opinion, however, be taken in hand by 

 the sportsman himself and do general all-round work ; the 



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