STILL-HUNTING THE ANTELOPE. 



329 



in each shoe are a bonanza, when the grass is slippery and 

 dry. Let the soles project half an inch all the way round; 

 then when you strike a cactus-bed, you can go ahead with- 

 out prodding your feet at every other stej). The sole should 

 project under the instep as well as across the toes, for 

 thorns are just as painful there as anywhere else. Cordu- 

 roy leggins are comfortable, cool, light, and afford ample 

 protection, though in hot weather they are superfluous. 



A soft, felt hat, of a grayish color, is best; one that has 

 a moderately wide brim will be found comfortable in hot 

 weather, or in rain. A few ventilators will be beneficial; so 

 will a strap to fasten under the chin in windy weather. 



Beware of leather belts for carrying cartridges. Nothing 

 equals one of webbing; next is canvas. Leather belts are 

 a fraud; the shells become covered with verdigris and dirt, 

 and soon foul the breech of the rifle. Always carry a shell- 

 extractor in your belt, and then you will have it where it 

 does you the most good; one left behind in camp is like 

 the Dutchman's anchor — only an aggravation. By shell- 

 extractor, I mean one that will pull out a headless shell; 

 nothing but a first-class extractor will budge it. 



Every rifle for prairie use should be provided with a 

 pointed wiping-stick, one that fits in the stock like that of 

 a Winchester. A hide thong, with a piece of rag, is good 

 enough to clean a rifle with, but if the bore gets choked 

 with mud or snow, it is convenient to have a rod with which 

 to poke it out, 



I always carry a hunting-knife and steel, both fitting in 

 one sheath. This saves trouble; and however good a knife 

 may be, it soon gets dull when carving large game. The 

 blade of the knife should be all one piece with the handle, 

 with l)uck-horn grip. No other kind of knife will stand 

 choipping, and that is sometimes unavoidable. A small, 

 light steel is all that is required. 



I prefer the Califoi-nia saddle to any other, but a good 

 McClellan is, perhaps, the best for both man and horse. 

 Always carry saddle-bags; they are convenient for your 

 lunch, some extra ammunition, matches, and a flask of cold 



