140 ANIMALS USED IN WAR. 



Chapter VII— DONKEYS. 



I have a sneaking regard for donkeys in warfare. The 

 French Armies used a considerable number of them for packing 

 up ammunition to their troops in the Line during the late War. 

 They were driven across country in mobs of about twenty, and 

 were able to pick their way round the shell holes. 



If properly looked after, they are remarkably free from disease 

 and give Veterinary Service very little concern. The appor- 

 tioned load according to Transport Tables is 1^ maunds (1201b). 

 It is rather an inconvenient amount, as so many of the items for 

 Transport are arranged or packed by maund weights. A better 

 pack-weight would be two maunds — one maund each side, and 

 only donkeys that are equal to that weight should be employed. 



In the' Tirah Expedition of 1897-98 there were 8297 

 Government donkeys and 5567 hired donkeys employed. The 

 weight carried was 2 maunds. They maintained their condition 

 remarkably well, and the hired animals. were even better than 

 those of Government. In the Chitral Expedition of 1895 many 

 were employed, and they were well able to negotiate a two 

 maund load on the level, but somewhat failed in scrambling 

 over rocks under that load. It is all a matter of a suitable 

 saddle and proper adjustment of loads, which for small animals 

 should not be of a bulky nature. Moreover, work in short 

 stages, especially in hilly countries, gives the best results. 

 During my frequent visits to the Frontiers recently, I have 

 noticed lots of very good donkeys that I am sure are equal to a 

 two maund load if properly fed and driven along quietly. One 

 man to twenty donkeys would be economical transport, and it 

 goes without saying that they would require constant inspection 

 to ensure that their backs were free from injury, and that a 

 suitable ration should be assured to them. For road making 

 and mending, carrying stones and earth, they fill a most useful 

 position. 



The Tibetan donkey, used during the Mission, was reported 

 on as a wonderful animal for his size, and a load of two maunds 

 was an easy task. On the other hand the Somali donkey, 

 which is a sturdy animal with a good back, was apparently 



