278 WILD SPORTS OF BURMA AND ASSAM 



usually combined, and one gun-bearer should be engaged. 

 Two out of the three men should have a thorough knowledge 

 of the country you intend shooting over. The interpreter, 

 who should, if possible, be a Burman, as no half-breed is, as a 

 rule, to be depended on, would also accompany the sportsman 

 for several days till he gets into the run of things. It would 

 be to his interest, however, to see that he did not overwork 

 him, for should he fall ill he would have to return, and then 

 the sportsman would be deprived of his valuable services. 



A BURMESE MATRON AND HER CHILDREN. 



From a Photo by Watts & Skeen, Rangoon. 



The native English-speaking boy or cook, of course, can 

 always be fallen back upon, but he would not be able to 

 accompany you when you leave camp to shoot, as he would 

 be too tired to do any cooking on his return. The transport 

 men would also come in handy for carrying anything in the 

 way of eatables. The " boy " should, every second or third 

 day, be dosed with quinine, as on him largely depends the 

 success of the expedition, good food and good cooking being 

 essential to the health of the sportsman. 



