178 EQYPT AND THE SOUDAN.

intelligence and prompt action are combined in solving any difficulty, and no real impediment was caused by the discussion.

Horses thoroughly fit for the work of the campaign were easily obtained if they could be got together in time; but this duty also was placed in competent hands, and the formation of an ambulance corps and the important provision for a complete and efficient commissariat were undertaken with such energy and practical forethought that the whole force was rapidly formed, and a more compact and well -furnished contingent was perhaps never sent forth from any country in the world.

The New South Wales volunteer force is in reality what may be termed a volunteer militia, the volunteers having had a change made in their organization in 1878. The men are not accepted unless they come up to certain physical requirements, and, when enrolled, a certain number of attendances at drill is compulsory, and to these attendances a small payment is attached. Among other regulations it is required of them that they should undergo at least one week's continuous training in camp in the course of every year. This had been carried on for several years, and in this way the men had attained a knowledge of the interior economy of camp life, without which they would have been almost unfit for service in the field.

Their commandant, Colonel Richardson, asserted that had they not had this training he would not have recommended them for service; and Colonel Richardson had a right to speak with authority, for he had had charge of the New South Wales forces since 1865. He joined the imperial army in 1854, having entered it by passing a direct examination at Sandhurst, and served with the 72d Highlanders at the siege of Sebastopol. In New Zealand, with the 12th Regiment, he went through the Maori wars of 1860-61 and 1863-64, during which period he was adjutant of the regiment. He had received Crimean, Nev/ Zealand, and Turkish medals. In February, 1865, he was appointed to the command of the New South Wales forces.

In August, 1 87 1, a regular force was formed, consisting of a battery of artillery, and two companies of infantry, but after that