A Journal of a Tour in the Congo Free State | Page 2

experience of others. A few hints may therefore be
inserted here without apology for the benefit of other travellers. The
first articles to be considered are a tent, bed, and mosquito-net. Now
when the usual oblong tent with a penthouse roof is pitched and the bed
made, surmounted by the mosquito-net, the only place in which there is
room for it, is in the middle of the tent between the two poles. The

result is that as the roof slopes, it is absolutely impossible to stand
upright on either side and much space is therefore wasted. It would be
better to arrange for the bed to stand close to one side of the tent and
for the net to be attached to the sloping roof leaving the middle and the
other side free for table and chair. Circles of hooks for clothes should
be attached to the poles and large pockets in the walls of the tent itself
are useful. It is needless to specify particulars about furniture, and I will
only say that the folding or concertina pattern bed, bath, washhandstand
and table proved very comfortable and withstood the great strain of
being packed and unpacked nearly every day for six months without
breaking down. A strong, long lounge chair is absolutely necessary. In
climates where there is much glare, everything should be made of green
canvas. The well-known Lord's patent petrol lamp is certainly the best
and although it necessitates carrying a good supply of oil, is cleaner
and more convenient than candles. There is not space here to give a list
of all the necessities for travelling and camping in the forests of Africa
and it is enough to say that one has to carry a complete house, furniture,
kitchen utensils and much food. Wheat and milk cows do not exist in
the forest and very little grows which is edible. It is therefore necessary
to carry sufficient flour, butter, lard, condiments, tinned meats,
vegetables and fruits in order to cook, and to make a variety from the
antelopes, fish, game, goats and chickens which are procurable on the
spot. Water bottles and filters are very necessary, but for Africa the best
change at home--those which have porcelain cores--are of no use for
the water is very muddy, and the minute pores at once become blocked.
The charcoal filters, although bulky to carry, are therefore the best for
the forest. The question of alcohol must be left to the individual himself,
but it must be remembered that there are only a very few places where
it can be purchased in the Congo and that the State officials are only
permitted to have a limited amount for themselves. Undoubtedly the
best wine for the climate is good claret or burgundy, and the healthiest
spirit, whisky. It is however, well to have some medical comforts in the
shape of champagne and brandy to take after attacks of fever. Excellent
native coffee can be purchased; tea and sugar must be carried. Drugs,
especially iron, quinine, arsenic and phenacetin are essential as also
splints, bandages and dressings in case of accidents.

Now it must be remembered that the climate is hot and humid. Metals
rust at once, leather and cloth become mouldy, food stuffs will keep
one or two days only after the tins are opened, and cigars, tobacco and
cigarettes become damp and ferment. In packing therefore, all the food,
cigars, cigarettes and tobacco should be soldered airtight and in tins so
arranged that when once opened, it is possible to shut them again. A tin
of sardines or condensed milk once opened cannot be carried in a case
liable to be upside down at any moment. There are however, some
bottles with screw tops and india-rubber rings in which Messrs. Crosse
and Blackwell send out jam. These are airtight and so very useful for
when they are empty they can be cleaned and used for milk, sardines,
or anything else again and again. Messrs. Huntley and Palmer pack
biscuits in their usual tins but with an inner lid soldered, and these are
also very convenient. Above all things, remember curry powder,
pickles, chutney and Worcester sauce, for even goat's flesh can be
rendered pleasant if it tastes of something else. All this may sound
trivial, but it is really very important, for the appetite is easily lost in
the Congo and if the strength is not maintained by plenty of food,
sickness is certain to follow. Leather cases for rifles and guns are not
good as they deteriorate. The best case I have ever seen was made for
me by a ship's boatswain. It was of strong sail canvas made to fit the
rifle and covered outside with ordinary ship's paint; the inside speedily
became lined with oil and the whole