no BROADLAND SPORT 



slop of similar material extending from the neck to the hip, and 

 overlapping the aforesaid breeches. The former of these 

 overalls has a leather-lined seat, with extra strengthenings 

 in the crutch, besides being cut after an eccentric pattern, 

 with view neither to beauty nor fashion, but solely and 

 simply for warmth and comfort. A wrapper round the neck, 

 and cap, sou'-wester, or other head-gear, " according to fancy." 



Thus it must be obvious that in such a complete suit of 

 armour one can bid defiance to the whole of the aqueous 

 elements. Standing or wading in water in such a costume 

 does not affect future comfort. Nor, on the other hand, can 

 the heaviest downpour penetrate its folds. Just as rain on 

 a slate roof drips from one slab to another, and finally falls 

 to the ground, so in this case it descends first upon the 

 head and shoulders, from whence it runs on to the 

 breeches, thence to the boots and bottom boards. Besides, 

 in this one can lie for any time, if desirable, upon damp 

 flooring, or in slush, etc., with impunity. How many wild- 

 fowlers' costumes at the present day can be subjected to such 

 a crucial test ? 



With regard to head covering, this is a subject open to 

 endless controversy. Mr Harmer affirms his small cap, 

 exemplified in the illustration, to be better than all others, but 

 an east-coast " sou'-wester " with a stiff back seems to be by far 

 the best all round. In this you are enabled to listen more 

 intently, for on slightly elevating your face to leeward the 

 ears are completely protected from the blast. When worn in 

 the ordinary fashion it protects the back of the neck and 

 ears ; when reversed, it shields them from the glare of the 

 sun ; and, on emergency, if turned inside out, it can be used 

 as a drinking-bowl, bailer, or basin. The headgear, as well 

 as the slop, is painted the same colour as the punt that is, 

 like a gull's back so as not to attract notice. The painting 

 is done in the spring of the year in order to allow time to 

 take off its glossiness. 



The hands, as will be noticed in the sketch, are incased in 

 rough woollen mittens with one stall only (for the thumb), 



