very competent chiefs and European
advisers--withal self-reliant and conscious of a superior aggressive and
defensive capability for repeating their splendid ancestral records of
prowess. Add to this inbred patriotism stimulated to an enthusiasm
approaching fanaticism by a mind fashioned to the belief that their war
is against an unjust usurper destined to be overthrown; it all sums up a
long way towards balancing numerical inferiority and inexperience in the
science of modern warfare. As to military science, they are apt to
become quickly tutored into proficiency by daily observation and
experience, and by the coaching of the numerous military officers who
have joined their ranks.

Another advantage upon the Boer side consists in complete
acclimatization and perfect knowledge of the country. Lastly, but by no
means less important, is the rational practice of always going as light
and unencumbered as at all possible, preferably with stripped saddle,
and to subsist mostly upon meat when in the field, both serving to
enhance staying power and to provide a reserve of stamina and of energy
for occasions of supreme effort, which often decide the fate of battle
against combatants, however courageous, who are fagged out with marching
on foot, and through being overladen with accoutrements and pack and a
lumbersome diet as well. What can such panting, unsteadied men do in
conflict with Boers who are fresh and in well-preserved form, and whose
steady sharp-shooting simply results in Calvaries for their opponents,
however brave, disciplined and well equipped they may be?

Yet to be noted is the small commissariat needed for Boer horses and
mules. These are accustomed to subsist altogether on grass, and when it
is plentiful, during summer and fall, to keep in good condition, working
six to ten hours daily, if only allowed to graze during the rest of the
time. They are then usually knee-haltered, _i.e._, one foreleg tied to
the halter, with about eighteen inches space between. A few feeds of dry
mealies (maize) will be amply supplementary when the pasture is
inferior, or if the animals have to be picketed much.

As said before, alcoholism does not prevail among the Boers, and any
tendency to it is sedulously checked by legislation and public
reprobation. President Krueger is an absolute abstainer from intoxicants,
and even at banquets he will sip water only when joining in a toast. His
contention is that the effects generally go