Page:Our Indian Army.djvu/49

Rh camp, easing them of that burden. These cook boys are amazingly attached to their masters, and will keep close to their heels in the midst of the greatest dangers. When they grow up, they make the best Sepoys, for all of them speak English well. It is astonishing to see the immense loads which the Coolies and other servants carry upon their heads, without being in the least affected. Even boys and girls of nine and ten years of age are seen carrying burdens that in other countries would be thought sufficient for full-grown men.

As the troops move along, the officers frequently enjoy upon the road a fine chase after antelopes and hares, with which the country abounds. The soldiers of a regiment will perhaps start from under their feet ten or a dozen hares in a day. They also meet with coveys of partridges, or with wild ducks and florikens, a most delicious bird of the buzzard kind. Wild boars are also sometimes surprised, and afford great diversion in the line, the officers being always provided with dogs, guns, boar-spears, &c., ready for any accidental game that may turn up.

When the troops arrive within a mile or two of their next halt, the quartermasters push forward to take up the ground, and the camp is laid out with such precision that everyone knows his post on arrival. As quickly as the elephants and camels come up with the tents, they are instantly pitched, and the men generally get under cover about nine o'clock, when the sun is becoming very oppressive. While the officers' tents are pitching, they find shelter beneath "the spreading tamarind," or the stately mango; for the camp is generally formed close to some umbrageous tope, with a tank adjoining, into which the cattle and naked followers plunge, in order to cleanse and refresh themselves. The officers' breakfast is always ready for them on their arrival, consisting of tea, coffee, curry and rice, pillau, cold or broiled ham, or Bengal hump, &c., &c. The general and field-officers frequently have large parties to breakfast with them on these occasions, in large marquees sent forward for the purpose.