SHOOTING-DRESS, I 79 



for the hunter when in haste is apt to get confused 

 with them. Wear a vest of medium warmth, which 

 can be opened when needed. I would always, when 

 on shooting-ground, keep the upper button of the coat 

 fastened, as otherwise it prevents the gun from com- 

 ing to its place at the shoulder quickly ; and in snap 

 shooting you would be apt to lose your bird from 

 this cause. For pants, have thin ones, if possible 

 such as will ward off the briers. In summer and early 

 fall shooting, heavy pants tire the sportsman much. 

 I generally tuck mine into my boot-tops. For boots, 

 good heavy calf-skin, or what are known as grained- 

 leather boots, are good for use in the field, and turn 

 water well. Do not have the boots too heavy; a 

 pound or two extra on a pair of boots tells wonder- 

 fully in a long day's hunt. Have the whole boot 

 strong and substantial as well as light. A light sole 

 of leather, with a very light sole of rubber outside, 

 makes a durable, dry, and easy boot; have the 

 boots made straight, that is, not rights and lefts, and 

 change them each time you hunt. Have the heels of 

 the boots low and wide, with the soles wide, and not 

 too thick. Let them fit as loosely as possible, with- 

 out letting the heels slide up and down. Wear wool- 

 len stockings, if you can, even in summer. Woollen 

 stockings prevent chafing on the sides of the foot 

 and ankle. If your foot is inclined to chafe, rub the 

 parts with oil before leaving home in the morning. 

 Perhaps there is no part of the dress liable to give 

 so much discomfort as the boot. 



Some sportsmen wear laced-up shoes. They are 



