HATS. 115 



back and fetch it, whereas, if I had had a hat-guard, 

 this tiresome occurrence would have been prevented. 

 It is best to attach the cord of the hat-guard to a 

 button-hole of the habit-jacket, for then, if the hat 

 comes off, the cord can be more easily caught than if 

 it is fastened inside the back of the collar of the coat. 

 On windy days the advantage of a hat-cord is obvious. 

 Ladies who object to its use may say that overhanging 

 branches should be avoided, but when hounds are 

 running, and one is mounted on a tall horse, it is 

 impossible to always steer clear of stray twigs, and 

 therefore men find a hat-guard very useful. 



For tropical climates the pith hat or sola topee (Fig. 

 62) is best for the hot weather. Helmets, besides 

 being apt to give one a headache on account of their 

 weight, do not afford sufficient protection to the rider's 

 temples from the sun. The double Terai hat of grey 

 felt (Fig. 61) is becoming, but it is very heavy. 

 Pith is lightest and most suitable for wear during 

 intense heat. In the cool weather a bowler or straw 

 sailor may be worn ; but even in the cold season 

 ladies should avoid wearing a small hat when the sun 

 is above the horizon, for its rays are treacherous. I 

 have had many a splitting headache from disregard of 

 this precaution. 



In trying on a riding hat, the hair should be dressed 

 low down, as it w^ill be worn when riding, in order to 

 obtain a comfortable fit ; for the hat must fit the head 

 and not be perched on the top of it, or it will not 

 '' remain " if the horse goes out of a walk. The old 



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