An ass will not usually care more than about (net weight) 65 lbs.
A small mule 90
A horse 100
An ox of an average greed 120
A camel (which rarely can be used by an explorer) 300
It is very inconvenient to take more than six pack-animals in a caravan
that has to pass over broken country, for so much time is lost by the
whole party in re-adjusting the packs of each member of it, whenever one
gets loose, that its progress is seriously retarded.
Carriages.--An animal--camels always excepted--draws upon wheels in a
wild country about two and a half times the weight he can carry.
lbs.
A light cart, exclusive of the driver, should not carry
more than..................................................800
A light waggon, such as one or two horses would trot
away with, along a turnpike road, not more than...........1500
A waggon of the strongest construction, not more than.........3000
Weight of Rations.--A fair estimate in commissariat matters is as follows:--
A strong waggon full of food carries 1000 full-day rations
The pack of an ox " 40 "
The pack of a horse " 30 "
A slaughter ox yields, as fresh meat 80 "
A fat sheep yields " 10 "
(N.B. Meat when jerked loses about one-half of its nourishing powers.)