November 7, 19 14 
LAND AND WATER 
I 
CHOOSING KIT 
{Continued from page 67) 
tne side of the box, ignites the string of tinder, which a wind 
fans to greater fire instead of putting out. As the tinder 
burns away it can be pushed up into the tube, and one string 
of it will last an enormously long time, while extra supplies 
can be carried, if necessary, with no trouble. The idea is 
distinctly good, and seems to solve the problem of the ideal 
lighter, so far as this can be done. 
The Importance of the Match 
Substitutes for matches seem very small things to talk 
about in connection with the selection of field kit, but they 
are in reality most important items. We who sit within 
reach of a match-stand half our time, and the other half 
have only to go round the corner, put down a copper, and 
get a box of vestas, do not realise all that the absence of 
matches would mean to us. We have utterly lost the old- 
time habit of using flint and steel, and must have some 
mechanical substitute ; we have grown so used to that 
substitute that it seems a very small thing to us, while in 
reality it is responsible for half our comfort. Let every man 
bound for " the front " see that he is well provided in this 
respect, or he will regret his carelessness before many days 
are over. 
Flasks 
Another thing is the flask. This must be covered in 
altogether ; the one that exposes half the glass is useless. 
Glass for cleanliness, and a metal cover for protection, or a 
thick leather cover for the same purpose, makes the ideal 
flask. Personally, I prefer the metal cover, but would not 
have a solid metal flask without the glass lining. The flask 
should be taken filled and kept filled with the best brandy 
that can be obtained. Its contents should be looked on as 
an emergency ration — only to be used in dire necessity, 
unless it is possible to refill at once with the same quality of 
spirit. Far too many men regard the flask as a mere camp- 
dinner accessory, to provide a peg at any odd time ; but this 
is a bad misconception of the reason for carrying a flask. 
One can always get pegs for a camp dinner when pegs are 
available for other men, and if they are not then it is no time 
for using up the reserve supply that the flask carries, for 
that supply may save iome poor devil's life in the course of 
the next few hours, and using it as a drink in the ordinary 
way is sheer wanton waste. A good flask, kept full, is a very 
necessary adjunct to the camp outfit. The lower part of the 
metal casing, of course, forjns a cup. Having a stopper 
which also forms a tiny cup is also an advantage, though 
this is largely a matter of taste, and the stoppers that are 
hinged and secure with a half-twist have an advantage in 
that they do not get lost and leave the flask useless until a 
stray cork, with a doubtful sanitary history, can be found 
for replacement. 
Wool and Comfort 
One very necessary item of clothing for the coming 
winter months is a cardigan jacket, woollen jersey, or some- 
thing of the kind. Mention has already been made of an 
oiled-silk sleeved vest to fit under the tunic, and this forms 
an ideal warm garment, except on the score of hard wear ; 
it is an '♦t.t that needs renewing fairly often, as these things 
go, but at the same time it is well worth while renewing 
such an article as this. If, however, it be desired to get a 
woollen garment only, and sacrifice the waterproof quality 
of the oiled-silk article, then care should be taken to 
ascertain that the sweater or cardigan jacket chosen is all 
wool, for the half-cotton half-wool things are unsatisfactory' 
both on the score of warmth and that of wear. There used 
to be obtainable a brown wool sweater, something like an 
Army blanket in colour, fitted with sleeves, and so expandable 
— to coin a word — that any size would fit any man, practically. 
Its elasticity arose out of the fact that it was all wool ; and 
a thoroughly comfortable thing for cold mornings it was, too. 
I have one of these articles yet in my possession, and value 
it highly when out cycling, although it cannot be less than 
twelve years old, and has several darns in it. Sweaters of 
this kind can be obtained at most outfitters, and make most 
acceptable gifts to troops at the front when included in 
parcels of clothing. 
A Personal Opinion 
Personally, I would rather have one of these sweaters 
to slip on than a lot of warm underclothing. The reason 
for the preference is that in the actual work of a campaign 
a man very seldom has a chance to remove his underclothing 
for the night, and thus does not feel the benefit of it to such 
an extent during the day, while the man with a sweater can 
slip it oft as easily as his tunic, almost, and put it on again 
to get the full warmth from it. 
(To bt conUnutd tuxt wetk) 
CASTLE & CO., 
MILITARY TAILORS. 
iCstabllshed 1889.) 
^^ SERVICE 
^^ IN O HOURS. ^^ 
ABSOLUTELY CORRECT 
STORE PRICES. 
37 PICCADILLY, LONDON, W. 
(FACING ST. JAMES'S CHURCH). 
'Rhone Regent 5624. 
BENSON'S 
"Active Service" Watch. 
FINE QUALITY 
LEVER 
MOVEMENT. 
Sterling Silver Case and 
Buckle Leather Strap, 
£2 10 
Gold, £5 
WARRANTED 
TIMEKEEPER. 
Superior quality in Silver 
£3 10 & £4 4 
AN ESSENTIAL PART OF AN OFFICERS EQUIPMENT. 
Luminous Dial and Hands so that the time may be readily seen at night. 
Illustrated List post free. 
Largest Stock in London of Luminous Dial Wriitlet Watches. 
62 & 64 LUD6ATE HILL, E.G., and 2S OLD BOND ST.. W. 
HARRODS' 
GIFT BOXES 
TROOPS AT THE FRONT 
Specially selected and appropriate "Comforts" have been 
arranged in Parcels, details of which are given below. 
These are securely packed and will be dispatched imme- 
diately to anyone serving in the Expeditionary Force, upon 
receipt of instructions. 
No fuss or bother with packing. 
You simply send your order by letter, 'phone or wire to 
Harrods, specifying Box No. 1 or Box No. 2 (or both), 
and the following goods to the value of one Sovereign are 
dispatched without delay straight to the Firing Line : — 
BOX No. 1 
ONE SOVEREIGN. 
1 lb. Chocolate (Harrods). 
3 llns Oxo Cubes. 
2 Potted Meats. 
1 Ivelcon. 
] Brand's Ess. Chicken. 
1 Brand's Ess. Beef. 
100 Cisarettes, Best, Flat Boil. 
} lb. Tobacco (compressed). 
1 Packet Boracic Powder. 
1 Tube Vaseline. 
1 Tin Coffee and Milk, or 
Cocoa and Milk. 
I Plum Cake. 
^ Tin Danish Butter. 
1 Pipe. 
Bromo Toilet Paper. 
HARRODS Ltd. ( 
BOX No. 2. 
ONE SOVEREIGN. 
1 Pair Gloves. 
1 Pair Socks. 
1 Undervest. 
1 Pair PanU. 
3 Handkerchiefs. 
1 Pair Braces. 
1 Woollen Scarf. 
1 Balaclava Cap. 
The Sovereign 
covers 
cost of packing 
and postage. 
Richard Burbidte. 
), London, S.W. 
69 
