THE COMPLETE GUN-ROOM 49 
most important part to keep the blood in good circulation— 
the usual pair of hand-knitted socks, and a long, thick, coarse 
pair of overall boot stockings. The boots reach well-nigh to 
the top of the hip, and are properly fastened with the usual 
garters below the knee, the lower parts being made of very 
stiff leather ; but the uppers require a vast amount of skilful 
paring by the currier to obtain the requisite thinness, so as to 
enable one to kneel or bend the knee in any position without 
incurring discomfort of any kind. Some uppers are from 
a different class of leather altogether, and are sewn on; but 
the ones used by Mr. Harmer consist of whole pieces, which 
will be found preferable. An admonition against india- 
rubber boots and clothing in general cannot be too often 
repeated, for its non-porousness lays open a death-trap to be 
avoided. 
‘‘The most important feature in this costume consists of 
a peculiar loose pair of dressed waterproof knickerbockers, 
or rather breeches, fastened round the waist by means of 
a strap and buckle, and falling almost below the knees, fol- 
lowed by a slop of similar material extending from the neck to 
the hip, and overlapping the aforesaid breeches. The knicker- 
bockers should have a leather-lined seat, with extra strength- 
enings in the crutch, besides being cut after an eccentric 
pattern, with view neither to beauty nor fashion, but solely 
and simply for warmth and comfort. A wrapper round the 
neck, and cap, sou’-wester, or other head-gear, ‘ according to 
fancy,’ completes the costume.” 
To this I may perhaps add that I find nothing more com- 
fortable in the way of head-gear than a round cloth shooting 
hat, which can be turned down or up in any direction, does 
not necessarily impede hearing, and can be procured in 
suitable and unconspicuous colours. If a sou’-wester is pre- 
ferred, it should be of the yellow variety, and not black. 
For work when the marshes are covered with snow, a white 
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