A PERFECT BOOT WANTED. 291 



uncommonly are in the habit of recommending boots with 

 projecting soles a detestable invention because every time 

 the foot is raised out of the mud a pound or two of it comes 

 up on the projecting soles. The requirements are strength, 

 pliancy, and lightness. Tanned canvas supplies the two last, 

 and does not dry harsh and stiff, but soon grows out of shape, 

 and wears out quickty. Stout calf-skin is stronger and retains 

 its shape longer, but dries hard and hurts the foot till again 

 wetted and sodden. On the whole I prefer the high gaiter- 

 boot made of soft brown leather, such as those worn by me 

 during many seasons, with soles sufficiently strong for rather 

 rough use but no more, and pliant enough to give to every 

 movement of the foot and toes. 



I have know T n men who shot bare-footed with nether 

 clothing of the simplest or scantiest, but consider such a 

 practice a great mistake for many reasons, among others 

 thorns, snakes, and leeches ; nor has every man a skin tough 

 enough to withstand such wear and tear. 



Porpoise oil and bear's grease are good dressing for 

 leather if applied after slow drying. Baking and roasting 

 near a charcoal fire, as practised by one of my Orissa valets, 

 is not recommended, as it destroys the usefulness of the 

 boots, and leads to trouble between master and man, and 

 does not illustrate the singular intelligence with which the 

 natives of this country are gifted, according to certain 

 authorities. 



The snipe-shooter's dress in the hot months should be 

 light, easy, and loose, the colour being of little importance, 

 since perspiration and muddy water will turn all into a 

 neutral tint very quickly. After trying many kinds I have 

 adopted a loose shooting-coat, with a low standing collar, over 

 a merino vest with half sleeves, moderately loose knicker- 

 bockers, and merino stockings. The coat may have as many 

 pockets as the wearer fancies (mine has four), but none on 

 the right breast to catch the gun stock, though but for half 

 a second. The cotton or linen shirt is to be avoided as hot 

 and utterly useless. I wear a China silk handkerchief round 



