Use of Climbing Irons 69 
possessor of a pair of climbing irons. I was at this time at the 
Royal Military College, Sandhurst and I found them of very great 
assistance in climbing the large fir trees, especially with the aid of 
arope. In fact, a combination of ropes and climbing irons reduces 
the risk and labour of fir-tree climbs to a minimum. They can be 
used with great advantage in climbing medium trees without having 
recourse to a rope but the climber should be ever watchful to keep 
a good hold of the tree. I have seen careless climbers injure 
themselves by striking the inside of one leg with the spiked iron 
strapped on the other and at all times they are aids which should 
be used with extreme care. When scrambling high up among 
boughs, they are a source of danger and should be removed. 
So much for the various ways of tree-climbing. Now as to the 
dress. Gabardine knickerbocker-breeches and gaiters or stockings 
are as good as anything and a waistcoat with close-fitting light 
gabardine sleeves is excellent since they protect the arms from cuts 
and scratches when swarming; they are particularly useful in big 
fir-trees. How often have I reduced the sleeves of a flannel shirt 
to shreds and regained ¢erva firma with my arms smarting with 
abrasions and scratches filled with sharp particles of bark, gum and 
turpentine ! 
A close-fitting fisherman’s guernsey is a good climbing rig both 
for trees and rocks but has the objection to a photographer that 
it is difficult, if not impossible to get at one’s waistcoat pockets. 
Boots should never be worn in big tree work unless with rope-soles ; 
stockinged feet are usually best. 
An essential part of the tree-climber’s equipment is a strong 
line wherewith to communicate with the party below. For this 
purpose I usually take up with me my line and lead. The former 
is wound on a wooden reel made to fit in one’s hip pocket where 
it can be stowed without getting in the way. There are very few 
occasions when its services are not in request, whether it be to 
