ions to the "Sisters' Albums" and the
contributions which they levied. Here at McKenzie's Farm, I have struck
another style of book. This is run by Sergeant-Major Fownes (10th
Hussars) who is in charge of all of the Yeomanry at the base. It is a
"Confession Book," containing reasons "Why I joined the Imperial
Yeomanry" and "Why I left." It has been contributed to by members of
nearly every I.Y. squadron in South Africa. Thanks to the courtesy of
its owner, I am able to give you a selection from its contents, omitting
the names and squadrons of the contributors only.

WHY I JOINED THE YEOMANRY.

1. To escape my creditors.

2. Patriotism.

3. Because I was sick of England.

4. Could always ride, could always shoot,
Thought of duty, thought of loot.

5. "England Expects ----" (you know the rest).

6. To injure the Boers.

7. (All Excuses used up.)

8. I considered it was the right thing for an Englishman
to do.

9. Because I thought it was my duty.

10. A broken heart.

11. Anxiety to get to South Africa.

12. For the sake of a little excitement, which I can't get at
home and didn't get out here.

13. Patriotic Fever!!!

14. I did it during the Patriotic Mania, 1899-1900. Under
like circumstances believe I'd do it again.

15. Sudden splash of Patriotism upon visiting a Music Hall.

16. Poetry.

17. "Married in haste."

18. Because I did not bring my aged and respected father
up properly.

19. To kill Time and Boers.

20. Because I am Irish and wanted to fight.

21. Love of War.

22. For Sport.

23. My Country's call my ardour fired.

24. Because I was tired of the Old Country.

25. Old England's Honour, Glory, Fame,
Such thoughts were in my mind.
To die the last but not disgraced,
A V.C. perhaps to find.
To sound the charge, to meet the foe,
To win or wounded lie,
My firstborn son and I should fight
And, if the needs be, die.

26. Hungry for a fight.

27. Drink and Drink.

28. Vanity.

29. Because I thought:

1 'Twas a glorious life on the veldt,
So unrestrained and free. (_Note. Read opposite page._)

2 'Twas grand to lie 'neath the star-lit sky
In a blanket warm and nice.

3 'Twas exciting to gallop over the plains
To the music of the Mausers.

4 Bully beef and biscuits are all