..i:\.-' THE SHIKARI 



life, for by so doing he will more likely make himself 

 unfit and defeat the object he wishes to attain. 



As a rule some weeks have to be spent on board 

 ship to reach the port nearest to the hunting-ground 

 one has fixed on, and it is during this time that the 

 hunter can start to bring himself into that general 

 fitness and health that will make his trip enjoyable. 



Some men are always fit, others never will be, but 

 the average man can bring himself to be fit enough 

 to start off with, and the life he is going to lead will 

 do the rest. The man who is really unfit should 

 abandon all ideas of expedition work, and anyway 

 every one before starting off should consult a doctor 

 who has had tropical and overseas experience. 



It is not proposed to preach or lay down any hard- 

 and-fast rules on this matter, but just to give a kw 

 hints and items of advice which can be taken or not 

 according as the reader thinks in his own mind, or 

 according as he knows himself and his own constitution. 

 The life on board ship for the passenger is one of 

 practically enforced idleness. After the first day or 

 so the sea air increases the appetite and the ennui, 

 so that long before the voyage has ended every one is 

 eating too much, taking long siestas in the afternoon, 

 and staying up card-playing or drinking till the early 

 hours draw near. All this is very well in its way and 

 does not hurt the man who knows himself thoroughly, 

 or who is merely visiting some town or taking a 

 round trip. 



