Adventure, December 3, 1920 — page 167: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

_Ask Adventure , A Boost for British East Africa ‘MER: MILLER sees it as one bright spot on . the Dark Continent—not forgetting that South Africa is some country too! Quesiion:—“T am writing to ask you some ques- tions about Africa. They may be outside of your territory but there did not seem to be any one covering the exact things I want to know. My father has an idea somewhat like the ‘follow- ing: That he could go to Africa and fence in a large section of ground and get some tame cattle and put them in it. He understands that there are large herds of wild cattle there and thinks he might drive some of them inside of the fence. Feeding them a little at first and letting them run with the tame ones until they got at least as tame as the old Western herds used to be. Is this correct? What kind of market would there be? If not a good one now is there any chance of it becoming better within the next few years? What kind of climate do they have in the best section for this purpose? Where is this section? What kind of land laws do they have? What kind of laws regarding goods imported by settlers—guns, farm implements, trading-goods? Is there any chance of operating a store some- what on the same order of the plantation stores that operate in Mississippi? What would you handle? Would you import your needs or can they be bought locally? Where would you buy them? If the situation is satisfactory we might form a party togothere. One of at least four families. angst what would an undertaking like this cost: How much land could a bunch like ours handle? We have a pretty good knowledge of the various trades, especially farming, though at present we are all living in town. Weare not going there with the intention of work- ing like slaves all of our lives for only a bare living. We don’t object to working, but we want something for it. We are handy with firearms and know how to take care of ourselves in almost any kind of country. We have the following trades in the bunch: Farmer, storekeeper, electrician, black- smith, railroader, mechanic and wireless ope- rator.”—J. T. Smitu, Dallas, Tex. Answer, by Mr. Miller:—There is practically no opportunity in West Africa for the kind of under- taking you outline. There are quite large herds of partly tame cattle in the hinterlands, looked after by Bush Fulani, and they are developing cotton growing in Northern Nigeria, but mostly through large syndicates... This is nota white man’s country. Whites can not stand more than two years of the climate in a dose. | British East Africa is your country. It is really a wonderful country, high, cool, good pasturage; and quite a few Englishmen of means have gone into cattle-raising there, shipping their cattle from Mozambique, I think. You want to write to the ‘Oversea Settlement Office, 59, Victoria St., London, S. W. 1., England. They will furnish free all information about land-grants, labor conditions, etc. This country is developing, and those I have met from there are enthusiasts. In general you have a very good idea—that of going in a bunch, all men of practical ideas, and you 157 may count on the British government offering every facility, for such men are wanted. It is best to buy locally, the coast trading-stores knowing the needs of the country and often selling cheaper than at home. But take along all the rough stuff you may happen to have in boots and clothes. Having trades, you may be able to secure jobs whilst you look around. At least this can be done in East Africa, and unless the war has upset con- ditions it is the same in South Africa, but not in the West or the Congo. In the libraries there are some very good books on the country, from ;which you could dig up a lot of useful information. As to costs: I should say your party would want to land with a clear three thousand dollars, though you might rough it along on less. Steamship fares to the East Coast I can only guess at. But Thomas Cook & Son, 245 Broadway, New York, will quote you costs for your party and would,-if you liked, book you—would perhaps get a special rate. Fishing in Southern California HERES hoping this inquirer has lifted many a rainbow trout before this gets into type: Question: —“‘Am desirous of obtaining some in- formation about fishing in California and Arizona. Also where can I get the best auto maps, etc.P I. was born in New Bedford, Mass., and was brought up in a country where fishing was regarded as an industry as well asa recreation. I can also say that although I have been in quite a few American towns Tucson is the first place I ever visited where I was unable to procure fishing-tackle at the sporting- goods store. The creeks dry up here in the Summer, I guess, or else the streams have never been stocked. Please suggest what line of tackle I will need for Roosevelt Dam and trout in California. Can I get by with two rods? I wish to travel light, and even to look at a sporting-goods catalog scares me. What grub will I need to take?’”—Boxs Davis, Tucson, Ariz. Answer, by Mr. Thompson:—I advise you not to waste time fishing or buying tackle for “‘some- times’? Arizona waters. When you strike Cali- fornia you will be right in it. When you go to California then you can be busy . all the time, and I suggest you try the rainbow fishing close by San Bernardino. There Little and Big Bear lakes and the adjacent streams will fill the bill. Also write a letter to my friend Joe Welsh, Pasadena, Cal., and he will keep you in touch with all the best fishing, as he is always after trout. Yes, you can get by with two rods, one 91% foot about five ounces and one 81% for small streams and an ounce lighter. Get good 6 and 9 ft. leaders, single-action reel, enamel line, if tapered the better, For flies, Cahill, Jock Scott, Professor, Queen of the Water, Lord Baltimore, Emerson Hough, any of the Palmers, Colonel Fuller, Yellow May, Silver Doctor is a®choice that will kill. Small spinners are very effective in Western trout fishing, as well as the little Jamison Trout Wigglers for fly rod. As for grub, bread and bacon are to be your stand-bys, and your tastes at each town will suggest EOPNICLOO (F@