WILDFOWLING COSTUME 109 



one time or other he has given almost every possible method 

 a fair trial adding, removing, improving until at length a 

 costume was arrived at, which he has worn and adopted with 

 success in every way. Could he, at the age of seventy, be up 

 morning after morning before daybreak, alone and unassisted, 

 if he had not thoroughly protected himself with proper clothing 

 during his earlier days ? No ; far from it. The mere thought 

 of such a thing causes visions of rheumatism, ague and other 

 diabolical complaints that flesh is heir to, to float uncomfort- 

 ably through the mind. For, all things said and done, 

 robust health is an essential factor in the successful pursuit 

 of wildfowl, even more so perhaps than in any other form of 

 sport. 



The following is a short description of Mr Harmer's dress, 

 omitting the minuter details. The underclothing is all 

 flannel, as recommended by most authorities on gunning; 

 but trousers of Bedford cord, with seat extra strengthened, 

 roomy, and lined with washleather. Fisherman's guernsey 

 and coat or waistcoat, according to fancy. For the feet the 

 most important part to keep the blood in good circulation the 

 usual pair of hand-knitted socks, and a long, thick, coarse pair 

 of overall boot stockings. The boots reach well nigh to the top 

 of the hip, and are properly fastened with the usual garters 

 below the knee, the lower parts being made of very stiff 

 leather; but the uppers require a vast amount of skilful 

 paring by the currier to obtain the requisite thinness, so as 

 to enable one to kneel or bend the knee in any position with- 

 out incurring discomfort of any kind. Some uppers are from 

 a different class of leather altogether, and are sewn on ; but 

 the ones used by Mr Harmer consists of whole pieces, which 

 will be found preferable. An admonition against indiarubber 

 boots and clothing in general cannot be too often repeated, 

 for its non-porousness lays open a death-trap to be avoided. 



The most, important feature in this costume consists of a 

 peculiar loose pair of dressed waterproof knickerbockers, or 

 rather breeches, fastened round the waist by means of a strap 

 and buckle, and falling almost below the knees, followed by a 



