THE JOURNEY'S REQUIREMENTS 35 spot. Tents are unnecessary at this time of the year ; an X bed is best, with vahse for bedding and mosquito-curtains ; and if much camel-riding be undertaken, it is well to be provided with a niaklufa, or saddle, and with the large grass matting of the country, which best protects baggage from being frayed by tlie camel-hair ropes, and is also a means of obtaining shade by day, and of carpeting the rough ground by the bedside at night.

A donkey or mule, the latter in preference, is most useful when approaching spots favoured by game, and much tedious walking may thus be avoided.

Air-tight tin uniform cases are handy, and are well adapted for loading on the camel ; while the wooden boxes specially made for the same purpose most efficiently carry food and kitchen utensils. Some use them for clothing as well.

Practically everything required can be obtained in Khartoum, and the sending of goods from England is costly or tedious, very probably both. Long mosquito-boots of soft leather are essential in the more southerly districts, and for the same reason 1 found loose leather gloves, covering the elbows, a useful protection ; for the hands and elbows are liable to come into contact with the mosquito-nets, and it is wonderful to see with what celerity the insects instantly repair to the point where these touch.

The -303 rifle is forbidden, for military reasons.

Servants are best engaged in Khartoum, and expect to be brought back there ; a cook and suffragiy or personal attendant, should be sufficient.

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