366 GUN, RIFLE, AND HOUND. 



nearly so as it must satisfy certain requirements. 

 For shooting in the Indian plains I recommend drab 

 (khaki) drill, a little browner than that used by the 

 army. The coat must have a thick flannel band 

 running down the whole length of the spine. For 

 jungle work the dress must be greener. Some capital 

 forest mixtures are made by the Mission Weavers of 

 Southern India, and can be bought anywhere in the 

 East. 



6. Boots. 



As I have before said, my invariable footwear in 

 the tropics has been the " Field " boot, but if I go 

 there again I think I shall use ordinary shooting-boots 

 and leather leggings. The great point about " Field" 

 boots is that they exclude land leeches, ticks, and 

 other jungle abominations, and are also a defence 

 against snakes, but they are undeniably hot. This 

 latter difficulty might be got over by having them 

 made of stout brown canvas, as watertight boots are 

 not necessary in such climates. After an exhaustive 

 trial of shooting-boots of various countries, I have 

 come to the conclusion that the " Wye" boots the 

 specialty of Hatton Brothers, of Hereford are equal 

 to any, being light, waterproof, and comfortable. In 

 many places nailed shooting-boots will not do at all 

 for stalking. In Cashmere and Thibet grass shoes 

 serve all purposes, but are not to be had elsewhere, 

 unless I except the alfa grass sandals made by the 

 natives of Algeria. After trying rubber soles, which 

 slip terribly in wet weather, I finally hit on jute, which 

 combines every requisite for the stalker. 



