XI 



DRESS 



THE ETIQUETTE OF THE HUNTING-FIELD THE OVER-DRESSED 



THE UNDER-DRESSED THE SWELL 



HE laws of dress for the hunting-field are 

 governed by an unwritten code. When the 

 hunting-coat is of pink, then white hunting- 

 breeches, top-boots, and a silk hat are requisite. 

 Otherwise a grey or dark melton, with or without tops, 

 breeches of any suitable cloth, and a derby or square-crowned 

 derby hat — but never the velvet cap, unless you are an 

 officer or servant of the hunt — are necessary. Do not dress 

 better than you ride. Over-dress marks the swell and the 

 novice, and is decidedly vulgar. At the same time you 

 should be thoroughly well dressed and especially well 

 groomed, keeping rather to the practical and the utilitarian, 

 as if you were out for business, not display. On the other 

 hand, it is equally poor taste to go to the other extreme 

 and ride in shirt-sleeves or without a hat. Such dress, or 

 undress, may be suitable for road riding, for exercise, or for 

 polo, but it is hardly showing proper respect to the Master 

 to present yourself in such attire in the hunting-field, espe- 

 cially when it is a regular meet. On a by-day a little more 



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