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 step. 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 buck-horn grip. No other kind of knife will stand 

 chopping, and that is sometimes unavoidable. A small, 

 light steel is all that is required. 



I prefer the California saddle to any other, but a good 

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

 Always carry saddle-Tsags; they are convenient for your 

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



