- Those which explode are invaluable. Six and
three-pounders are large enough, and are handy to carry.
Norton's pumps were of no use except in sandy or gravelly soil, and they
did not equal my expectations.
Blue lights are quite invaluable if fitted with percussion caps. They
should be packed in a strong tin box, with partitions to contain a
dozen; to be placed near your bed at night.
Lamps. - Should burn either oil or candles.
Burning glasses are very useful if really good. The inner bark of the
fig-tree, well beaten and dried in the sun, makes excellent tinder.
Mosquito gaiters or stockings should be wide, of very soft leather, to
draw over the foot and leg quite up to the thigh joint. These are a
great comfort when sitting during the evening.
Tanned goods. - All tents, awnings, sails, nets, lines, &c., should be
tanned, to preserve them in African climates.
Books. - All journals and note-books should be tinted paper, to preserve
the eyes from the glare, which is very trying when writing in the open
air upon white paper.
Seeds. - Should be simply packed in brown paper parcels sewn up in
canvas, and should never be hermetically sealed.
Blood. - When meat is scarce do not waste the blood. Clean out the large
intestine of an animal if far from camp. This will contain a
considerable quantity, and can be easily secured by a ligature at each
end.
