is used to the business, having his load strapped on and otherwise arranged in proper place.  The packer, with the lashing rope in hand, and with his foot braced against the side of the animal, by the assistance of a kind of pulley arrangement in the saddle gearing, uses his utmost endeavors to make things as firm as possible.  Every effort which he thus put forth, is strenuously and obstinately resisted by a trick which we will call a straining process that is resorted to by the mule.  The animal seems to know when his pack is securely and properly adjusted; for, if it is not, he is ready to dump it on the first opportunity occurring.  When the mules are loaded, they start out in a drove, but are allowed to select their own path, provided they follow on after the command.  It generally happens that one of them is more ambitious than his companions.  This one taking the lead, the others resign to him their right to the place, and are content to keep his company at a respectful distance in the rear.  One of the duties of the Commissary Department in fitting out such expeditions is, to provide a sufficient quantity of rations for the men, such as beef, bacon, beans, sugar and coffee.  These form the reliable subsistence of the soldiers while absent from their posts or the settlements.  The estimate is judged of by the number of days which the expedition will require to be absent, in order to perform a certain amount of work.  From this result is calculated the weight and number of the rations required, always, when practicable, allowing a small surplus.  In this respect old and experienced soldiers are far superior to volunteers.  The former will allow of no waste.  They are accustomed to be methodic in their modes of life, while the volunteer is usually ignorant of such teaching; hence, he is wanting in making little things go a great way.  While out on one of these campaigns, it is often practicable to a certain extent, provided the undertaking is not a hotly contested chase, to drive along beef cattle, which can be killed and used at discretion.  Bacon, however, is the soldier’s sheet anchor; and, the variety of forms in which he can cook and prepare for eating this article, while in the field, would astonish even a French chef de cuisine.  It very frequently happens, however, that in an Indian country, he is not allowed to exercise his talent, for, making large fires might have the effect of apprising the enemy of the near approach of danger.  In such a case he is obliged to make his coffee in a tin cup, over a very small fire, the fuel of which consists of a handful of dry twigs, which are carefully and cautiously replenished as the first supply is consumed.  This coffee, together with the remains of his last frugal meal, serves to stay his appetite for the time being, nolens volens.  The organization is said to be complete and fit for service when the soldiers are judiciously provided with arms, ammunition, and riding horses.  When the party consists of mounted men, they also are provided with such other articles as are deemed necessary, which are included, usually, under the heading of an outfit for the especial business in which the soldier is to engage.