74 WINTER SKETCHES. 



red also and the glow of health pervades the 

 whole body. With proper precautions, the 

 rider needs not to suffer from cold even in the 

 severest weather. 



The mercury stood fifteen degrees above 

 zero when I started from the stable on my 

 ride. I cannot call to remembrance the novel, 

 but it is one of Scott's, where the hero is about 

 to start for the Highlands in company with an 

 old farmer, who, before commencing the jour- 

 ney, carefully wraps the steel stirrups with 

 straw for the purpose of keeping their feet 

 warm. I have always remembered the hint, 

 and have found the practice to be effectual. 

 Avoid at all times, on foot or on horseback, 

 especially on horseback, the unhealthful India- 

 rubber boot or shoe. They are inventions of 

 the undertaker. If you would keep your feet 

 warm and dry, put on thick-soled boots of 

 thick upper leather too, not by any means 

 tight, and wear thin cotton socks with woollen 

 socks over them, and when riding in very cold 

 weather, felt overshoes over the boots. These 

 are not in general use, and I have had some 

 difficulty in obtaining them. In response to 

 numerous inquiries, the shoe-dealers told me 

 that thev had not this article. At last a face- 



