;:::;:::a£ TWO BIRD-LOVERS IN MEXICO j*:::;::::; 



most useful. Several thin shirt-waists, of a colour which 

 does not soil easily, are indispensable. I prefer soft 

 shades of gray and broAvn, as they are inconspicuous 

 and harmonize with the rocks and trees. Brilliantine 

 and alpaca make nice, cool, sensible waists. A pair of 

 canvas hunting-leggings, like my husband's, were the 

 joy and comfort of my life ; for whatever Mexico may 

 lack, it is not thorns! I wore ordinary medium-weight 

 high shoes. Anything heavier will sorely try one's 

 jjatience on a long, hot tramp in the harrancas. One 

 must be sure to take plenty of shoes, as they are 

 exorbitantly expensive in Mexico. A veil or two (or a 

 net) to keep the hair from blowing in your face, when 

 riding horseback, will be found of the greatest comfort. 

 But I hope my camping woman will not mar her 

 pleasure by wearing her veil over her face. A wild 

 gallop over the plains on horseback loses much of its 

 charm if there is anything between one's face and 

 the pure invigorating mountain breezes. And after all, 

 a little honest tan is a good thing ! 



But let us proceed to the rest of the outfit. The 

 house over one's head is an important thing, so it 

 is in order to discuss the matter of a tent. We have 

 always found it a good plan to be generous in respect 

 to its size — one ten by twelve feet being none too 

 large for two persons. The cheapest kind of a tent 

 will suffice ; for during the winter season in Mexico, 

 every day is like Indian summer — bright and cloud- 



44 368 -^ 



