250 WILD SPORTS OF BURMA AND ASSAM 



labours of the cook would then be considerably lightened. It is 

 always best, in fact, to have at least two servants with one, as 

 should the cook fall ill, as he very often does out in camp, from 

 jungle fever, dysentery, or other causes, the Burman can always 

 be utilized as cook. Burmans do not consider it pilfering help- 

 ing themselves to tea, sugar, or tobacco, and it is as well not to 

 be too strict in such matters. The " lugale " would also act as 

 a set-off to the native boy, who would then have to be on his p's 

 and q's, as each other's misdeeds and pilferings would then be 

 promptly reported to the master. English-speaking Burmese 

 boys are, however, difficult to obtain, and when they are 

 to be engaged they are not always to be depended upon, as they 

 are so independent and touchy about the least thing. Never 

 strike a Burman servant for a small matter, it is no punish- 

 ment, as he is inclined to be as hasty as yourself, and would 

 leave you without the slightest warning or hesitation, and 

 sometimes without even claiming the pay that might be due 

 to him. From Rs.25 to Rs.3O per mensem, including food, 

 would be the maximum salary for the best English-speaking 

 cooks or table-servants obtainable in either Rangoon or 

 Mandalay. Burman servants who do not speak English 

 could be engaged for Rs.2O per mensem. The name and 

 address of any servant engaged should invariably be noted in 

 case of desertion, which however rarely happens. The head 

 butler in the dak bungalow or rest-house in Mandalay, should 

 the visitor be staying there, or any other European whom he 

 may know or happen to have letters of introduction to, should 

 be able to put him in the way of at once obtaining without 

 difficulty servants, stores, and liquor, or any other thing that 

 may be required. Stores, liquor, etc. may be purchased in 

 Mandalay at almost the same prices as in Rangoon. 



The sportsman's attention should next be directed to his 

 camp equipment, kit, battery, etc. It is better to be comfortably 

 provided with everything if you wish to enjoy sport, but to do 

 so you must live well. Certain articles herein mentioned may 

 be left out by less fastidious sportsmen who do not mind 

 roughing it to a certain extent. But I am at one with the 

 late Mr. Sanderson, who says, in his excellent work, Thirteen 

 Years amongst the Wild Beasts of India : " The great principle 



