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 



