368 
THROUGH SOMA LILA HU AND ABYSSINIA 
forage, and they stay in good condition on next to nothing, and do not 
get sore backs. Their only disadvantage is, that they travel about half a 
mile an hour slower than mules. One driver will manage three donkeys, 
and that driver can be a small beggar boy, whom you can pick up any- 
where, and who, while of less account and importance than a grown man, 
will obey orders with greater intelligence. Further, donkeys are obtain- 
able on the Somali coast, and as they can cross the Zeila plains, could be 
used throughout a trip. 
The loads would be as follows : — 
Mule-loads. 
Rations for six coast-men, six months 
Rations for one European, six months 
European baggage, tent, etc. 
One day’s water for use of men on the march 
Belongings of Abyssinian muleteers 
12 
9 
6 
4 
2 
33 
We shall be allowing a good margin for casualties with five spare mules, 
or thirty-eight in all, of \thich only thirty-three need saddles. 
The European will require two good riding mules. 
Abyssinian muleteers will not look after more than one laden baggage- 
mule to each man. 
The composition of the whole caravan, while mules are used, will 
therefore be as follows : — 
Men — 
1 European (rationed six months). 
6 coast men (rationed six months). 
34 Abyssinian muleteers (of whom one looks after five spare mules). 
2 Abyssinian followers (to help shikari and sais). 
1 Abyssinian boy to look after milk goats and sheep, and help the 
cook. 
2 Abyssinian headmen of muleteers. 
1 Abyssinian interpreter (generally an official). 
Animals — 
2 riding mules. 
33 laden baggage mules. 
5 spare baggage mules, 
half a dozen milk goats, 
half a dozen sheep. 
One of the headmen and half of the Abyssinians (or they may be 
Hararis or Gallas) should be engaged and paid by the traveller ; the 
Abyssinian authorities may provide the others, or they may not. 
Expenses — 
The expenses of such a trip would come under the following heads : — 
(1) Purchase of tent, rifles, and kit, at the centres of civilisation. 
(2) Passages to and from Aden. 
(3) Hotel expenses in Aden. 
(4) Purchase of necessaries at Aden. 
(5) Passages from Aden to Zeila and back. 
(6) Purchase of necessaries at Zeila. 
