THE LAND OF FOOTPRINTS 



examine them in the light of reason, and to pick, 

 out what a man of American habits, as contrasted 

 to one of English habits, would like to have. This 

 cannot be done a priori; it requires the test of ex- 

 perience to determine how to meet, in our own way 

 the unusual demands of climate and conditions. 



And please note, when the heads of these equip- 

 ment firms, these old African travellers, take the 

 field for themselves, they pay no attention whatever 

 to their own printed lists of "essentials." 



Now, premising that the English sportsman has, 

 by many years' experience, worked out just what he 

 likes to take into the field; and assuring you solemnly 

 that his ideas are not in the least the ideas of the 

 American sportsman, let us see if we cannot do some- 

 thing for ourselves. 



At present the American has either to take over in 

 toto the English idea, which is not adapted to him, 

 and is — to him — a nuisance, or to go it blind, with- 

 out experience except that acquired in a temperate 

 climate, which is dangerous. I am not going to 

 copy out the English list again, even for comparison. 

 I have not the space; and if curious enough, you can 

 find it in any book on modern African travel. Of 

 course I realize well that few Americans go to Africa; 

 but I also realize well that the sportsman is a crank, 

 a wild and eager enthusiast over items of equipment 



430 



