264 UGANDA AND THE EGYPTIAN SOUDAN.

filled some days previous to the start, and then it will be seen if they are watertight and in good condition. The water-skin for one's personal use should always be hung on the shady side of the camel, and out of its reach, as camels have a habit when thirsty of turning round and biting the skin.

It is necessary to see that the gun is slung properly ; the men are very careless in this matter, and many accidents happen for want of this little forethought.

In a long journey a line to the camel's nose-ring should not be used, unless it is a very restive beast.

Until quite accustomed to mounting a camel, it is better to make a man place his foot on the animal's leg until you have got a firm seat, for at times the camel rises very suddenly and rushes ofi", so that an inexperienced rider may possibly have an ugly fall.

If the camel should take it into his head to turn round and round like a top, the best way to manage him is to pull the guide-rein in the opposite direction ; this and a few cuts with the whip from the side to which he is moving is generally sufficient to stop him. To attempt to dismount under such circumstances is most dangerous. Many camels are vicious, and have a bad habit of biting ; most unexpectedly they turn round, seize hold of the rider, and try to pull him off. At certain times it is very dangerous to ride a male camel, but a good dose of " kohran " on the back of his head will be then of great service.