5 doz. 1-lb. tins of fish (60 lbs.). 
     (N.B.—­Not fit for consumption—­thrown away.)
 200 lbs. rice.
 70 lbs. oatmeal.
 6 doz. tins of milk (condensed).
 8 doz. tins baking powder.
 4 doz. 1-lb tins of jam.
 140 lbs. sugar,
 40 lbs. salt (for salting down meat—­kangaroo, &c.).
 30 lbs. tea.
 2 doz. tinned fruit.
 2 doz. tinned vegetables.
 10 lbs. currants.
 10 lbs. raisins
 40 lbs. dried apricots.
 6 doz. 1-lb. tins butter.
 4 doz.  Liebig’s Extract.
 1 1/2 doz. pepper (1/4-lb. tins).
 1/2 doz. curry-powder (1/4-lb. tins).
 9 packets Sunlight soap.
 1 box of candles.
 6 lbs. cornflour.
 28 doz. matches.
 50 lbs. tobacco.
 100 lbs. preserved potatoes.
 4 bottles good brandy.
 1 bottle good rum.
 1 hair clipper. 
 Blankets, boots, flannel shirts, trousers (Dungaree and moleskin); &c.

The stores were calculated to last six months with care and longer should we encounter good country where game could be shot.  Everything that could be was packed in large leather bags, made to order.  Other expeditions have carried wooden brass-bound boxes; I do not approve of these—­first on account of their own weight and bulk; second, when empty they are equally bulky and awkward; third, unless articles are of certain shapes and dimensions they cannot be packed in the boxes, which do not “give” like bags.  Wooden water casks are generally used—­my objections to them are that they weigh more than the iron ones, are harder to mend, and when empty are liable to spring or warp from the hot sun.

It will be seen that a great part of our load consisted of tools which, though weighty, were necessary, should we come on auriferous country, or be forced to sink to any depth for water:  a great many of these tools were left in the desert.

The average load with which each camel started, counting the water casks (the four large ones) full, was 531 lbs., exclusive of saddle.  Kruger and Shiddi carried over 750 lbs. including top loading and saddle.

These loads, though excessive had the season been summer, were not too great to start with in the cooler weather; and every day made some difference in their weight.

The brandy was for medicinal purposes only.  Even had we been able to afford the room I should not have carried more; for I am convinced that in the bush a man can keep his health better, and do more work, when he leaves liquor entirely alone.

CHAPTER III

THE JOURNEY BEGINS