LAND AND WATER 
December 5, 1914 
THE Christnins shopping peasoii finds very few shops 
unprepared for the influx of trade, and there are signs, 
in most cai-es. that the partial stagnation of last August 
has been forgotten, as there is every reason for its being 
forgotten now. For the shoppers are out : not, indeed, 
in the joyous mi^od of normal venrs, but still determined 
to buv and to do the buyers' part in maintaining " business as usual." 
The very badly-lighted streets have militated against late shopping 
•o a very large extent, and to such a pitch has the gloom been brought 
that the opinion has been more than once expressed that it would be 
better to take one's chance of a Zeppelin raid than to run up the 
accident statistics as is being done by plunging London in utter 
darkness night after night. Some statistician computed that the 
number of casualties due to bad lighting in London were already 
greater than had come about in any continental town through the 
dropping of bombs, and on the whole it looks as if the policy of sheer 
funk bids fair to render London a laughing stock. The powers of the 
Censor forbid further reference to this sulsject, but a good deal more 
might be said. 
Christmas shopping is made, this year, with a view to military 
requirements : in jilace of fripperies, one hears inquiries for articles 
of real use, and it mav fairlv be estimated that quite half the purchases 
of the season will be for military or ho.spital use. Corsec]ucntly, the 
shops are making " lines " of useful articles, and in compiling a shopping 
f!uide we mav confine our attention for the mo.st part to mention ol 
the most serviceable of the articles displayed by the various houses. 
Our list is no more complete than any other of its kind, for to compile 
a complete list of London's shopping facilities would require not 
merely a whole " Christmas number," but a whole library. We may 
claim, however, that the list is representative of the best and most 
serviceable items in the Christmas display ; and, after all, no mr)re 
than that is wanted. 
Manfield's Boots 
The men in the trenchc^. coii\e first to one's mind in connection 
with Christmas shopping, and one of their principal needs is boots. 
This firm, at their various branches, are showing an excellent selection 
of campaigning boots, and the intending buyer mav rest content as 
to the origin of this stock of footwear, which is completely and 
thoroi'ghly British, both in material and manufacture. In addition 
to ordinary footgear, cf which the range is one of the largest to be 
seen anywhere, Messrs. Manfield are showing various forms of rubber 
overshoes, articles which would be particularly acceptable to the men 
at (he front, as well as to such as need these things for outdoor wear 
at home. When the sterling quality of the goods is taken into 
consideration it will be seen that the prices charged by this firm for 
their goods arc very moderate ; among the higher-priced articles there 
is a superfine quality marching boot at 45s., which is specially to be 
commended, and a heavier service-pattern boot at 30s. is also worthy 
of notice. Both these articles arc quite the best of their kind and 
British throughout. 
Bartlett & Bickley 
Few, even, of the West End tobacconists have made a greater 
success of cigarette and tobacco blending than this firm, whose 
" Imperial Service " pipe mixture and cigarettes, both in Turkish 
and Virginia blends, have made many friends already among military 
men, and have secured la.sting patronage wherever adopted. The 
principle of the firm has always been to specialise in quality, but, at 
the same time, prices have been kept at a level which will admit of 
competition — and successful competition, too — with articles of far 
higher price. An ideal Chrislmas present for an officer at the front 
is a parcel containing 250 each of Turkish and Virginia " Imperial 
Service" cigarettes, and a half-pound tin of "Imperial Service" 
mixture, which the firm will pack and send carriage paid and free of 
cost to the recipient for an inclusive charge of 23s. 6d. The actual 
cost of these goods in the I'nited Kingdom would be just 30s., but 
letters received by the firm from military men go to prove that the 
value of really first-class smoking materials in the firing line is not to 
be assessetl in terms of money. 
J. W. Tacon 
A special feature of this establishment is the provision of excep- 
tionally .soft leather underjackcts for motorists, airmen, and others 
who need protection against cold winds in the course of their work. 
These garments are made in two patterns, a long-skirted underjacket 
being priced at two guineas and a short. one at 30s. These make 
admirable presents, especially for active service use. Messrs. Tacon are 
also expert shirtmakers and hosiers, supplying only best quality goods. 
Alexander Clark, ltd. 
Both at their Fenchurch Street house and at their premises in 
Oxford Street, Messrs. Alexander Clark have established a reputation 
for first-class workmanship and excellence of design in jewellery and 
similar classes of goods. As the West End premises are being removed 
to larger quarters at Prince's House, Hanover Square, a large stock 
of jewellery and sdverwarc is now being sold off at greatly reduced 
rates, and a catalogue of the various items offered for sale will be 
gladly forwarded on application. A unique opportunity is afforded 
by tiiis sale, which includes many articles suitable for presents to 
campaigners, such as flasks, automatic lighters, etc. A stock of goods 
valued at £j,goo is being offered at reduced rates, previous to the 
removal to the Hanover Square premises. 
A. W. Gamage, Ltd. 
This year Messrs. Gamage are specialising in the preparation of 
hampers for the front, in sizes varying in price from 3s. 6d. upwards. 
The quality of the contents is good, and the variety of selections is 
almost infinite. To one who is in doubt as to wliat to send and how 
to send it Gamage's stand is a solution of all ditViculties. In addition 
to the hampers the firm make a special line of all articles of military 
equipment, and, with their experience in camp requirements and the 
provision of all kinds of athletic and sporting outfits, they are able 
to produce the best and most suitable goods for the exceptional 
conditions which the troops are called on to undergo. 
Hill & Son 
Age and many other considerations have kept a number of 
sportsmen from the firing line, and for these Messrs. Hill & Son cater 
with every conceivable sporting requirement. Among especially 
suitable articles in their list may be mentioned wire-cutters of various 
patterns and sporting knives, of which a large selection is offered. 
These are but small items, however, from a range of goods which 
includes practically every class of sporting accessory. 
Coffee Making 
A \ery usehil present is the " Universal " coffee percolator, which 
in a unique way makes perfect coffee with little trouble. By using 
this article in the making of coffee all the original aroma of the coffee 
is retained, the beverage is free from tannic acid, and there is no 
necessity for boiling ; one fills the percolator with cold water, and by 
the time it reaches boiling point the coffee is ready for use. The 
percolator i? made in a number of patterns at various prices, from 
gs. 6d. upwards, and, in view of its extreme usefulness and handsome 
appearance, it should form a very popular Christmas gift. 
Burberry's 
The fame of this firm is world-wide, and deservedly so, but there 
are many people who know of them only in connection with their 
famous rainproof overcoats. A visit to the handsome house in the 
Haymarket will convince the shopper that the energies of Burberr5''s 
are by no means exhausted by the production of rainproof coats, 
and, especially with a view to gifts for men at the front, this establish- 
ment makes a decided claim on the shopper. Bivouacs and shelters, 
ground sheets, and all sorts of equipment are displayed. 
Elkington & Co. 
In addition to many fine examples of silverware, this firm is 
making a special line of bronze statues of British and French generals 
as paper weights, etc., and an exceptionally good model of Lord 
Kitchener is on sale at l^, .5s. As may be gathered from a survey of 
the various articles offered by the firm, the modelling of these figures 
is as nearly perfect as can be, and they form thoroughly artistic 
additions to library and drawing-room furniture. For the rest, there 
is a wide choice of presents to suit all purses, and as regards quality 
it is unnecessary to make any statement — the name " Elkington " is 
enough. 
Gorringe's 
At this famous house in Buckingham Palace Road full provision 
has been made for the Christmas shoppers, especially for those who 
are on the look-out for goods for the front. There is a stock of socks 
at a shilling a pair, for in.'.tance, which offers practically the best 
value to be obtained anywhere ; cardigan jackets of fine quality at 
6s. iid., and a stocking cap, which can be worn as a neck wrap and 
also as a body belt in case of need, are other lines which commend 
themselves to notice. The goods shown here as possible presents to 
the troops are all eminently practical in design, and of the very best_ 
quality. 
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