24 THE SHIKARI 



many points in its favour — the poles should be of a 

 light strong wood, and jointed so as to pack into a 

 convenient length for transport ; the ferrules being of 

 brass or some non-rusting and non-corroding metal. 



The canvas must be rot- and insect-proof and pre- 

 ferably of a green colour, stout, but not too thick, 

 and strong enough to stand heavy weather, wind, 

 and rough usage. 



The fly can be of a much lighter and smoother 

 material, especially as this will catch the bulk of the 

 rain, and if thick will absorb too much and double 

 or treble its original weight. For large tents a much 

 stronger canvas is required. In this connection it 

 must be borne in mind that trekking frequently has 

 to be done in the early hours and there is neither 

 time nor sun to dry out the night's dew or rain. It 

 is well to have the fly of such width that it will almost 

 reach the ground and allow of many articles being 

 stowed away beneath it on the outside of the tent, 

 safe from wet. 



A ground-sheet is a cleanly and useful thing to 

 have, and this can either be separate or sewn on to 

 the tent, and should be of the same material as the 

 tent itself. The author has usually had his made all 

 in one piece with the tent, and found it extremely 

 useful in keeping out dirt, insects, and floodings from 

 heavy tropical rains. 



Large and small pockets can be sewn on the inside 

 of the tent and are useful for stowing away note-books, 



