"بلاد فارس." [ظ‎‎٦] (٤٨/١٧)

4
First of all, before entering upon any expedition, a certain amount of con
sideration must be given to the locality to be visited and to the duration of the
trip. In this case, the range was from London to Bombay, an “ easting ” from
0° to 73° or 5,048 miles, and a “ southing ” from 51|° to 19° or 2,342 miles, for
the most part overland and through countries which I had not previously visited.
The time—two to three months from the middle of September.
Fortunately I had travelled in Austria and Turkey, so framed an idea of
what might be required in West and South Russia. Turkey in Asia was taken
as a clue to the Caucasus : Central Asia, like Egypt, Sind and the Funjab, while
Persia was pictured as a mixture of Palestine, Syria and Afghanistan.
Firstly as to baggage—i\\z detail of which is given on paper No. 7E.
It consisted of the clothes in wear when leaving England on 14th September—
two Gladstone bags together weighing with contents 701b, a hand-bag 31b, a
canvas sack weighing 301b, a bundle of rugs 181b, or a total for the four
articles of 12 libs, all told, and if to these is added a light silk feather pillow^
bought at Kiev, a pair of kurjins and some light clothes at Tiflis and extra
provisions at Teheran, the total weight will be 1401b. This was quite sufficient
for 85 days, and contained all the appliances for a bath or a meal whenever
there was leisure to partake of them.
The principle followed was that there should be suitable clothes for dif
ferent occasions. In the first place a dress suit is always necessary everywhere ;
to this, as occasion demands, may be added the medals, a good suit for visit
ing during the day, an ordinary touring suit, a properly made riding suit, and
some lighter clothes for warm weather.
A few remarks may now r be given on the different items, viz .—
In List No. 6. —The leather waist-coat is an old friend, its worth was fully
acknowledged in “ Kandahar in 1879,’* since then it has been cleaned and re
lined and is still as good as new ; it is made to order of what is called “ game
keeper’s leather,” large, covering the hips and loins, spacious arm holes and the
leather carried right round the back. With such a waist-coat one hardly ever
experiences cold in the body. As regards boots—after considerable hesita
tion the list was cut down to one pair, with a pair of patent leather Oxford
shoes and a pair of slippers. To meet all requirements the pair were ankle
boots with spring sides, spur-boxes, and single soles. They answered very well,
the only objection to the pattern being the difficulty in pulling them on
in the cold mornings. If one has to depend on a single pair, this style still
seems to me to have the least defects. The Terai hat with a double top and
single brim was quite sufficient for all purposes, supplemented at times with two
silk handkerchiefs in the crown, and a pagri outside. Note-books may be
small and thin (say 6 " X 3" ) with about 40 sheets, all lined and crossed into
small squares.
In List No. 1. —The large sleeping socks are more like bags, and meant
as a protection from fleas ; these and a free use of insect powder are necessary.
The light coat and waist-coat were for use on boardship. Riding breeches
with gaiters to match can only be made by an expert, and if they are properly
fitted before starting a rider will never lose leather or cut under the knee. If
ordinary breeches are used, a boy’s knee straps must be worn in addition.
The wickered flask for cold tea was useless ; and it might have been omitted.
The veil was not used. The revolver was not fired, and only worn once, be
cause of a ‘ lion in the path* at Pirizan. It is however an essential accessory.
In List No. 2. —The filter was only once used at Khoja Doulaton the road
to Bokhara, and then there was no time to wait for the result. Fraser’s Etna
is small and very good, it carries a case for methylated spirits, and will cook a
cup of soup or tea in a few minutes.
In List No. 3. —The cone of menthol was useful for natives who
demanded cures; the effect in a few seconds after application was quite
“charming. ” The small bag No. 3 is carried on the saddle by coupling straps
from the side D’s.