144 THE HUNTING GROUNDS 



The first great rule to be observed is to have all 

 your dress as nearly as possible of the same colour 

 as the general aspect of the country you are going 

 to shoot over. Thus, when you are deer-stalking 

 or tracking large game in woods before the leaf has 

 fallen, green is the best colour ; when the trees are 

 bare, dark brown — the colour of the trunk and 

 branches ; are you after antelope on the plain or ibex 

 among the rocks, drab is the best colour. Should 

 you be waging war against the grisly bear or ibex 

 in the snow, you would be able to get much nearer 

 to your game unobserved if you, as I have done, 

 wore a shirt outside. Even in duck-shooting on the 

 coast of England, in winter, you stand a much bet- 

 ter chance of making a heavy bag if you follow this 

 plan of dressing. 



The second rule is, having all your clothes made 

 to fit well. The most convenient costume for large- 

 game shooting is a long jacket, reaching a little over 

 the hips, with pockets outside, and sleeves like a 

 shirt, fastening at the wrist with a couple of buttons. 

 It should be loosely made, so as to allow the greatest 

 ease and freedom to the limbs. A long waistcoat, 

 with pockets, and breeches fitting loosely over the 

 knee but rather tightly over the calf. 



The gaiters, which I like to fasten with leather 

 buttons down the outside, should fit tightly to the 

 leg and well over the boots. The best material to 

 have them made from is corduroy, fustian, or mole- 

 skin, when you cannot get properly dressed deerskin. 



