34 THE SHIKARI 



loads, but the packages should not exceed 50 lb. 

 a-piece, as stretches may occur where porterage will 

 be necessary, or falls and rapids may demand continual 

 unloading and reloading. 



In the case of pack ponies 150 to 200 lb. per animal 

 is about correct, though the load should be kept on the 

 lower margin to allow for the weak and laggard. 



Foods. — The food must be given the most careful 

 consideration and thought, for on it depends greatly 

 the health of the members of the trip, and should be so 

 selected that a variety will obviate the monotonous 

 repetition of the same daily dishes, which becomes so 

 appalling on a long trip and destroys both the appetite 

 and the pleasure. 



The first thought will be as to what can be got in the 

 country — probably all the necessary meat, some vege- 

 tables and fruit. Many things can be more con- 

 veniently purchased at the port of disembarkation, as 

 for instance rice or the meal for the carriers or fodder 

 for the animals (if the country being passed through is 

 deficient in pasturage), matches (which are difificult to 

 ship from home), and perhaps cheap blankets, etc., for 

 the men. Again, it may not be necessary to obtain 

 all the food for the men at the outset, as, if there are 

 villages along the route, the stores can be replenished 

 at possibly cheaper prices than what would be paid 

 in the towns, and would mean a less number of 

 carriers to feed. All this must be learnt beforehand. 



Up-country Prices.— On the author's trips in 



