December 26, 19 14 
LAND AND WATER 
CHOOSING KIT 
{Continued from pa^e 177) 
Rainproof Tunics 
Another idea that struck me was the introduction of 
rainproofing to the actual tunic and breeches worn by 
officers, the proofing being done on a very fine and serviceable 
khaki tunic cloth. The people responsible for this idea say 
that the proofing will last as long as the cloth ; and if that is 
so it has a remarkably long life in front of it, for the cloth is 
of the very best quality. It strikes me that with a suit of 
this proofed stuff,, and a serviceable outer coat to keep the 
wet off it as well, one would be as nearly waterproof as could 
be reached under campaigning conditions. The cloth looks 
exactly like ordinary officers' khaki, and ought to gain 
popularity from its unique qualities. 
Water Bottles 
A practical man told me, when talking of water bottles, 
that he would rather take out with him an ordinary soldier's 
water bottle of tin than the lighter and apparently more 
serviceable aluminium article, his reason being that it is 
impossible to solder aluminium, which is consequently liable 
to leakage. The ideal water bottle, however, is one made of 
nickel, without edges, and rounded in every part where an 
edge is apparent in the ordinary patterns. This pattern, 
though, is exceedingly difficult to obtain at the present time, 
though it may be that manufacturers will get abreast of the 
demand in time. It seems curious that for years the approved 
patterns have all had edges and corners, which make the 
cleaning of the inside of the bottles almost impossible, when 
it would have been quite a simple matter to adopt an oval 
pattern, which would do away with edges and permanent 
soiling. 
Things Unmentionable 
Polite society ignores such things as fleas and their more 
troublesome allies, and considers that their very names are 
beyond mention in ordinary conversation. In war, however, 
one leaves politeness behind, and the flea and his fellows hold 
revel and incur many curses. When a man is beyond, the 
chance of a wash for three weeks — well, the result may be left 
to the imagination, but a satisfactory remedy for that result 
would be welcomed by many men. It is one of the trials f>f 
campaigning, and to miss it out on the grounds of mere 
squeamishness would not accord with the way in which these 
notes are written. For the object of the notes is to give hints 
as regards additional comfort and efficiency by means of 
equipment, and if one can find a way of getting rid of the 
parasitic pests that abound in a long campaign, then one's 
efficiency as well as one's comfort is materially increased. 
A Remedy 
Sundry remedies, or preventives, for the various forms of 
insect pest that afflict man, when he cannot keep himself and his 
clothing as clean as he wouldunderordinary circumstances, ha ve 
been devised. Nine out of ten of these remedies have paraffin 
as a base, and the majority of them depend solely on paraffin 
for their efficacy, with some added ingredient to disguise the 
smell. Some of them are nearly all disguise and very little 
paraffin, and a few are made up of ingredients which, as a 
soldier put it, merely stun parasites (only he did not say 
" parasites ") without killing them. The best preventive and 
cure combined that I know of is simple paraffin, rubbed on 
one's clothes, especially underclothing ; not in such quantities 
as to render the wearer uncomfortable — experience will 
determine the amount. No substitute, whatever its 
advertisers say, is nearly as effective. 
Writing Materials 
A good many varieties of writing pads are on the 
market, specially designed for the use of the troops. In 
many cases, the designers are people who know little or 
nothing — and it is more often nothing — about the troubles and 
limitations of active service. The complicated arrangement 
of paper and blotter and envelopes, with a neat and 
supposedly waterproof case, is a snare and a delusion. A 
plain pad of post cards is the best thing, for post cards get past 
the censor while letters are waiting to be read — there is a 
matter of a day or two between the respective times of 
delivery after dispatch. A good fountain pen is a blessing, 
if one can get a supply of ink ; otherwise, an indelible pencil 
is better, for it is no use depending on one fill of ink for the 
fountain pen to carry one through. Ordinary pens may be 
dismissed as useless, and a black lead pencil is of more 
service. The most serviceable outfit is a supply of post cards, 
in pad form if possible, and an indelible pencil. 
(To be continued next week) 
THE 
EXPERIENCE 
OF CENTURIES 
has taught our Russian 
Allieshowto protect them- 
selves from cold, and the 
HOOD-SCARF 
depicted here (called by 
them the " Bashlik ") is 
one of their devices. 
We have the design and 
supply facsimiles in fleecy 
wool material 
at 12/6 each. 
t^^ji-T 
PRACTICAL 
SLEEPING 
BAG 
in " Marshproof," lined 
fur, thoroughly water- 
proof and wind - proof. 
Weighing only 6i lbs, 
£5 15s. 6d. 
MARSHALL e 
SNELGROVE 
Special Department for Cam- 
paigning Accessories. Direct 
Entrance corner of Oxford 
Street and Marylebone Lane, 
LONDON. 
For Winter 
in the 
trendies. 
The Rimasop Sleeved 
Waistcoat has been picked 
out by Messrs. Rimell & 
Allsop, of Bond Street, 
who supply practically 
everything required for 
active service, as the best 
protection a man can have 
against the hardships of a 
winter campaign. Price 15/- 
Take a Rimasop Sleeved Waistcoat in your kit ; 
or, if you cannot go to the front yourself, send 
a parcel for the soldiers from your own district. 
The extra warmth and comfort will mean much to men 
who have to sleep in the open when the trenches are white 
with frost, and to handle a rifle when their fingers are 
stifT with cold. 
Rimell & Allsop, 
sporting and Military Tailors, 
54, New Bond Street, London, W. 
Terms: Cash on or before delivery. 
179 
