SOUTH AND EAST AFRICA. 55 



As a substitute for wood cow-dung or camel-dung can be used, 

 but they are of course not quite as satisfactory. 



Portable Meat Safes. Yery serviceable meat safes can be made by 

 means of mosquito netting stretched over a light wooden framework. 

 They are invaluable during the rainy season of the year when 

 meat unprotected from flies goes bad in an astonishingly short space 

 of time, A small bell-shaped mosquito-net can, of course, also be 

 used for this purpose. 



6. PERSONAL EQUIPMENT. 



The thorns and grass seeds of Africa render tweeds and soft 

 clothing quite impossible. By far the most serviceable and cheapest 

 material is the ordinary khaki drill (not serge) of the British Army. 

 Whether leggings or puttees are worn depends on the taste of the 

 wearer; leggings are the most serviceable but are hot and puttees 

 are preferred by many. 



Boots should be of the best possible quality but light. Heavy 

 nailed, top or field boots are invariably discarded after experience 

 has taught their disadvantages. Phillips' patent rubber soles and 

 soles cut from old motor car tyres can be thoroughly recommended 

 as they give a much better foothold on rocky ground than leather 

 soles and do not like these become slippery as a result of walking 

 through long grass. Boots should be brushed every evening and 

 frequently rubbed over with Dubbin" or saddle soap. This not 

 only preserves them but greatly adds to ones comfort by keeping 

 the leather soft and pliable. Travellers who have to spend long 

 periods in malarious districts will find light mosquito boots, to slip 

 on of an evening, a great comfort. A last and a small shoemakers 

 outfit should be included in the equipment of all large expeditions. 



Slouch or double-terai hats are by far the most convenient wear 

 but to many people a pith helmet gives such extra comfort as to 

 compensate for its inconvenience. 



Veils and goggles are unnecessary except in desert regions where 

 they are a great comfort against glare, flies and sand. Goggles 

 made of chlorophyl glass can be recommended. 



Underclothing is a necessity even in the hottest parts as it not 

 only prevents chill but is a protection against the rays of the sun. 

 A spine pad of thick red flannel, about 5 inches wide, sewn down 

 the inside of the back of the shirt is a very great comfort in the 

 tropical regions and is strongly recommended. 



In areas where ticks are very bad it is advisable to wear long 

 underpants completely closed in front. 



