494 lewis's AMERICAN SPORTSMAN. 



would be equally inappropriate, and expose the wearer to a 

 catarrhal affection, or perhaps an attack of rheumatism. 



We cannot be too particular in this respect, although many old 

 veterans may laugh at our remarks, as tending perhaps to effemi- 

 nacy, and say that such precautions are suitable only for " dandy 

 sportsmen," but quite beneath the notice of those accustomed to 

 braving all kinds of atmosperic changes while in pursuit of game 

 either by land or water, and perfectly regardless of heat or cold, 

 wind or rain. To these we reply, in a hackneyed but nevertheless 

 appropriate phrase, Chaeun a son goUt; at the same time we 

 do not deny that there may be some who can brave all these 

 extraordinary exposures, without apparently suffering any par- 

 ticular inconvenience at the time ; but we may recollect, also, that 

 many have passed through the impending dangers of a long and 

 arduous campaign, and come out from its perils unscathed, perhaps 

 to die from the prick of a needle or the scratch of a rusty nail. 

 Thus it may be with some of those who ridicule such precautions 

 as every sensible man should take to ward off the bad effects of 

 imprudent exposure to the changeable and trying climate of our 

 Northern and Eastern States. 



"An ounce of precaution, at all events, is worth a pound of 

 cure;" and no sportsman will do himself any harm by attention to 

 the few hygienic rules that we are about proposing for his future 

 comfort. He will rather derive much benefit from them, and be 

 able at an advanced age to exclaim, — 



"Temperance, joy, and repose, 

 Slam the door upon the doctor's nose." 



If wet after returning home, the clothing should by all means 

 be changed as speedily as possible, and, if necessary, a little warm 

 spirits may be taken. A cup of hot tea or coffee will often answer 

 every good purpose, especially with those unaccustomed to the 

 stimulus of strong drink. Nothing is more apt to produce a 

 catarrhal or rheumatic affection than the pernicious habit of re- 

 maining in wet clothes after coming from the field, particularly 

 the careless and common practice of keeping on wet stockings. 



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