312 MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES 



are not placed, as the negro left to himself will be 

 almost certain to deposit them, in the centre of 

 the native path, or unpleasant results may ensue. 

 Whilst we are discussing the subject of iron- 

 mongery, let me strongly recommend the pro- 

 vision of a hammer, and a pound of one-inch nails. 

 These are most useful for repairing damage to the 

 packing cases, strengthening native shelters for 

 the men, and many other purposes. 



Of course, owing to bad weather, fatigue, or 

 other causes, a day will from time to time be spent 

 in camp, and therefore, as well as for occasional 

 unemployed evenings, a few good sound books, 

 together with note-books and writing materials, 

 must be included in the personal baggage. For 

 my own part I always take books relating to the 

 sport I am following at the moment, as well as 

 one or two volumes of fairly solid reading ; but 

 I would impress upon my readers the desirability 

 of taking nightly the most copious notes of their 

 experiences. Nothing should be regarded as too 

 trivial for inclusion in the journey's record, and 

 the careful observer will reap a rich harvest in 

 after years as he slowly turns over the leaves of the 

 story of his African experiences. 



As a few final words of sage counsel, I would 

 recommend hunters in Africa to be guided so 

 far as possible by the following scraps of vale- 

 dictory advice : — 



Avoid cold bathing from the first day of your 

 arrival in the country ; warm baths only should 

 be taken. 



Never fish within 10 feet of the water's edge, 



