THK AX<;LKlt AXD HUNTSMAN 109 



To be warm, however, clothing does not necessarily 

 have to be exceedingly heavy. The lighter (if it is the 

 right kind of stuff), the better, for a pound or so off the 

 weight of it makes a great deal of difference to you on long 

 hikes. You will not be burdened down, which is a vital 

 point in a close place. For instance, if you get into a rum- 

 pus with a wounded bear, or moose, if your clothing does 

 not impede your movements you will have a much better 

 chance to out-maneuver the animal, and so light clothing 

 may mean in such instances a matter of life and death. 



But here is where the best of quality counts. If the 

 apparel is light, .the quality must offset the weight. It 

 must be stuff that will withstand the elements in every 

 sense. To this end, it is well to avoid, as far as possible, all 

 cotton clothing. Woolen goods of medium weight is de- 

 sirable, supplemented by flannel shirts or wool shirts, with 

 turn-down collars. If ^he climate is especially severe, the 

 shirts should be double-breasted, or double all over, but 

 for a medium cold climate single thickness is sufficient. 

 Flannel underclothing is essential for severe climates. Over 

 this, it is well to wear a medium weight woolen sweater or 

 knitted coat. Buckskin leggings, and moosehide mocca- 

 sins make good footwear; especially are moccasins desir- 

 able if you wish to still-hunt. For the pastime known as 

 still-hunting, you want to select clothing that will not make 

 noises in the woods. Duck and corduroy are of a texture 

 that make these noises when moving about, therefore not 

 practicable for this purpose. Clothing of soft texture is 

 best, then, for hunting in the woods, where the slightest 

 sound serves notice on the quarry that an enemy is ap- 

 proaching and gives the creature timely warning that 

 makes escape easy, much to the dismay and chagrin of the 

 trophy and meat hunter. 



Good, warm woolen socks, or stock in^s. are essential 

 to keep the feet warm. Keeping the extremities warm is a 

 most vital thins:. If the moccasins are soft and thin, it is 



