12 camelmen.
24 baggage camels; 1 Somáli camel to ride; 2 spare camels. Total, 27 camels.
This is what the preliminary calculation has given us; and when the loads have all been accurately worked out in detail it will probably be found that the 24 baggage camels can carry them.
In calculating the ammunition I am assuming that every permanent member of the caravan can shoot and will be provided with a rifle. It is a good rule to go by, although not always absolutely necessary, provided suitable escorts for different districts are taken.
To those whom I know to be unused to firearms I issue no ball ammunition till they have had several lessons in skirmishing drill with blank ammunition, and a certain amount of target practice. The laws of blood-feuds are too serious to be disregarded, and therefore a Somáli has a wholesome fear of letting off his rifle by accident. I have found that when once they have been properly taught they can be trusted with ball ammunition.
Example III
A trip of four months to distant parts of Ogádén, and to the Webbe Shabéleh river. In this case we will add a pony or mule and two fast Arab camels, luxuries which it may be worth while taking on a long trip.[61] Unlike the Somáli ones, the Arab camels each require about 7 lbs. jowári grain per diem. It can be bought in Aden or Berbera, and costs rather less than rice. There will in this case be six personal servants instead of five, as the two Arab camels will require one man, and the pony will require a groom (syce in Hindustáni). I have also slightly increased the European baggage on account of ammunition and trade goods.
As a basis for our rough calculation we shall have:—
| Camel-loads. | |
|---|---|
| Rations, 10 natives, 12 days | 10 |
| Rations 1 European | 2 |
| Private European baggage | 4 |
| Spare ammunition for 10 natives and 1 European | 1½ |
| Cloth and trade goods and extras | 2 |
| Water for 1 European and 10 natives; and for 2 Arab camels, 1 pony, 1 donkey, 2 milk goats (19 gallons, 7 days) | 5½ |
| 4 months’ grain for 2 Arab camels | 4 |
| 29 |
A man’s rations for 112 days (with percentage added) will be:—