158 TROUT LORE 



the sandal is but $2., and it will outwear a num- 

 ber of boots. Hip-boots cost up to $8. for the 

 best. The thigh-boots, good for small streams 

 and wading through rain-soaked grass, of course 

 are somewhat cheaper; but when you wear them 

 you are pretty sure to be tempted to reach out 

 for some likely looking spot and go in over their 

 tops; and a rubber boot, wader, anything of the 

 sort, filled with water is mighty uncomfortable. 

 The writer must plead guilty to using a medium- 

 priced hip-boot in nearly all of his trout fishing. 

 The reason I buy the medium-priced boot is be- 

 cause with the best of care any rubber boot will 

 "rot" in three or four seasons. I keep mine in 

 a cool place and get great service out of them. 

 Owing to the fact that I have a touch of rheu- 

 matism, and my muscles are apt to stiffen and 

 cramp in cold water, I wear waders, as con- 

 fessed above; but it is much better to wear 

 woolen underclothes and stockings, hobnailed 

 shoes that will not slip, and go right into the 

 water, changing clothes when the fishing is ended. 

 Waders are dangerous! To fall when wading 

 a rapid stream and have the waders or hip- 

 boots fill, is to run chances of drowning. Each 

 year fishermen meet their death through wear- 

 ing hip-boots. If you happen to step into a 



