REMEDIES FOR THIRST 239 



of consequence to grouse-shooters, it is of infinitely 

 greater importance to deer-stalkers, for it requires 

 far clearer vision to shoot with a rifle than with a 

 gun. 



Some people suffer dreadfully from thirst : to such I 

 would recommend the use of lime-drops made without 

 any sugar, or a small flask of lime-juice and water, 

 rather more than half of the former being mixed with 

 the latter. These remedies may serve to preserve the 

 mouth moist, 



I myself generally find that a blade of fresh tender 

 grass serves the purpose equally well ; I change it from 

 time to time for a fresh one, and it is a much more 

 effectual aid in enabling me to overcome the induce- 

 ment to drink than any artificial means, such as lime- 

 juice, etc. 



' Oest le premier pas, ^ and the first thirst overcome by 

 a little pluck, the rest is plain sailing, for the battle is 

 won, and the moment the top of the hill is reached, and 

 the dogs are uncoupled, the eye is as dry and clear as 

 need be. Cold tea is a capital thing to drink at 

 luncheon, but it should be made without cream or 

 sugar, otherwise a bottle of * Pilsener ' ale, and the 

 proverbial nip of ' Long John,' the latter six years old 

 at the very least, should suffice to put everything 

 straight, and a short smoke before starting again will 

 tend to cast a roseate hue over everything, and make a 

 man happy and contented with himself and the world 

 generally, and he will shoot none the worse for it. 

 Fruit, such as apples, pears, or lemons, etc., is a good 

 substitute for drink, but the more spirits a man drinks 

 the more tired and sleepy he becomes, and anything 

 further than 'just one nip' is bad until after dinner, 



