Chapt. xiv. Leeches. 187 



Have the sole studded all over with large nails an inch 

 apart. These will improve your foot-hold. 



Good thick socks are not only a wise precaution for 

 health's sake, but a comfortable protection more or less 

 against the sand; which however will get in when stirred 

 up from the bottom in wading, and which proves a nui- 

 sance when walking home again. 



The forest-clad riversides often swarm with leeches, 

 which bite better than the fish. Tuck the trouser into 

 the sock, and tie round tightly with a string in lieu of 

 leech gaiters. 



I am told that the after itching, which is the worst 

 part of their bites, may be prevented by rubbing gunpow- 

 der into the bite immediately on your return home, and 

 that no mark is left by the gunpowder. 



It is better to get them to let go their hold themselves, 

 than to risk the leaving of a broken tooth in your leg by 

 pulling them off. If you should happen to be so far be- 

 hind the age as to have a flask 'of powder in your pocket, 

 a little of that sprinkled on the leech will, the same friend 

 tells me, effect the desired release. 



But all this is a somewhat luxurious method of being 

 leech bitten. The usual recipe is grin and bear it, but 

 never scratch the annoyingly itching bites, or you will rue 

 it in their long continuance. 



As to the material of your clothes you need not "fash" 

 yourself, though woollen of course is most comfortable. 

 But as to the colour you should be careful. White turbans, 

 white coats, and white trousers, are all to be eschewed; 



24* 



