SOUTH AND EAST AFRICA. 49 



which includes a waterproof sack in which the tent travels when 

 folded up. 



A smaller 6 ft. X 8 ft. cottage tent costs 21. 



Ordinary hemp guy ropes require constant attention as they 

 stretch and contract with changes of the weather, and there are 

 probably few travellers who have not had the unpleasant experience 

 of getting up at night in pouring rain to slacken ropes or drive in 

 pegs that have been pulled up owing to the contraction of the ropes. 



All this trouble may be obviated by replacing the hemp ropes 

 by woven ropes of flexible wire. This plan was adopted by Sir 

 "William Morris when carrying out the geodetic survey of Transvaal 

 and Orange River Colony and was found to answer admirably. 



To allow for the expansion and contraction of the canvas of the 

 tent the poles should be supported on pieces of wood or flat stones 

 which can be removed when the canvas contracts and replaced as 

 the tent dries. 



Iron tent pegs are greatly to be preferred to wooden pegs and 

 a good supply of them should be laid in as they are also very 

 useful for pinning down tarpaulins. The pegs should be carried in 

 a special wooden box provided for the purpose. 



Tents should never be packed up wet for travelling as this leads 

 to the rapid decay of the canvas. 



TARPAULIN. 



An absolutely essential article of equipment, no matter what form 

 of transport be employed, is a good large waterproof tarpaulin, which 

 can be used in a great variety of ways. The best tarpaulins are 

 sold in Pretoria at 5/- per square yard. They can be specially 

 waterproofed by means of a patent wax preparation. 



CHAIRS AND TABLES. 



Chairs and tables can be left to the taste of the traveller. Many 

 excellent patterns of camp tables are on the market and it is 

 difficult especially to recommend any particular type. If, however, 

 one is travelling with plenty of wagon accommodation and intends 

 to be long in camp a strong military pattern barrack table, iron 

 bound and with iron legs is a great convenience over and above 

 the ordinary light camp tables. 



As regards chairs the ordinary folding canvas deck chair is hard 

 to beat for comfort and convenience. In addition some small canvas 

 stools should be provided. 



