62 FEOM THE NIGER TO THE NILE 



" boy " ten shillings and immediately took the sum out of his 

 pocket and threw it into the water. I cannot consider this- 

 method is a sound one, for it tends to hold the white man 

 up to ridicule — to say nothing of the uncomfortable sensation 

 to oneself of foolish waste. On the other hand, if fining is- 

 inflicted, it should be entirely restricted to evident personal 

 loss which, owing to some palpable negligence, the white 

 man has suffered. 



Another useful punishment is field imprisonment. This 

 should be given in the eyes of the whole camp, or better still 

 in a public place if possible. For the culprit has to face the 

 ridicule of the crowd, an ordeal a native detests more than 

 anything else. To punish a black man through his belly is 

 also a good deterrent, but on the march it is a difficult thing 

 to carry out, for he generally has a friend in camp who will 

 succeed in secretly supplying his wants. It must not be 

 supposed from these remarks that punishments are an every- 

 day occurrence. If one shows consideration and looks after 

 the wants of one's followers crimes will be rare. As long as 

 the belly of the black man is studied, he will carry out his work 

 cheerfully and well. Here I will mention the wise plan of 

 sometimes showing one's appreciation, when any particularly 

 good work has been done, by giving " dashes." A present 

 goes a long way with the natives, who look upon the giver 

 as a " big man " and a good master to work for. 



The two days in camp on the island near the mouth of 

 the river were spent as holidays. Plenty of fish and the 

 prospect of more food from Bosso raised the spirits of the 

 " boys " and past troubles were forgotten. The camp soon 

 became full of laughter and merriment, and all were " as happy 



