HOW TO DRESS FOE HUNTING. 93 



sleeves of the same material, the rider of the present day 

 is not only wholesomely warmed, but his clothing, from 

 being divided into many layers, is capable of keeping 

 out a moderate shower of several hours' duration. 



To provide, however, against a soaking day, it is usual 

 to put on woollen drawers of extra thickness ; but as it 

 is impossible to foretell how long it will rain for when 

 it pours early in the morning, it not unusually becomes 

 bright at eleven, and vice versa this precaution often 

 proves not only unnecessary, but throughout the whole day 

 a very unpleasant incumbrance, which, after all, fortifies a 

 great deal more of the propria persona than is required. 



A better plan, or " dodge," therefore, when the morning 

 threatens to turn into a drenching day, is to place over 

 the thin drawers on the surface only of each thigh, 

 (which, from its position in riding, and from the dripping 

 from the brim of the hat, invariably becomes wet, while 

 all the rest of the drawers remain dry), a piece of stout 

 serge or saddler's flannel, which will keep out the rain 

 for a long time ; which, when wet, can in a moment be 

 drawn out, dried at any little inn, farm, or cottage fire, 

 and then replaced ; and which, ifj from the cessation of 

 the rain, it be not needed, instead of heating the owner, 

 can be rolled up and transferred into one of his coat 

 pockets, to remain there like a letter addressed Poste 

 restante, " till called for." 



