January 2, 1915 
LAND AND WATER 
CHOOSING KIT 
(Continued from page 193) 
Coats 
Men who have been out to " the front " and have come 
back temporarily are placing orders in increasing numbers 
for " lambskin " lined coats for winter wear. This lambskin 
has an advantage over ordinary sheepskin in that it is lighter 
and more pliable, while, at the same time, it is absolutely 
windproof — a point specially appreciated by men engaged 
in motoring or any form of work which involves exposure to 
the wind. At the same time, the lambskin is much cheaper 
than most furs, and places a reliable windproof outer garment 
within the reach of men of small means. It needs a water- 
proof outer covering, and I have seen a " British warm " 
coat, lined lambskin and with waterproof exterior, made 
up at less than six pounds weight — a very important factor 
in view of the new postal regulations. It does not displace 
the admirable trench coat, of which I wrote a week or two 
ago, for this is a special garment for a special purpose. It 
fulfils that purpose to perfection, just as does the trench 
coat, and for men engaged actively, needing a light and 
efficient protection against wind and rain, it is a good thing. 
Ponchos Again 
Meanwhile the poncho has reappeared in yet another 
serviceable form. This time it is more like the original 
Mexican article, for it consists simply of a blanket of Service 
colour with the hole in the middle to make it into a cape. 
As a cape it is sufficient to keep any man — especially a 
moimted man — warm ; as a blanket it is as good in size and 
quality as one could wish. In wet weather it is supple- 
mented by an oiled silk poncho of slightly larger dimensions, 
which will act as a waterproof cape or as a ground sheet and 
covering. The two articles together are very light and very 
serviceable, though one must always remember the draw- 
backs attendant on oiled silk : it will not wear for ever, and is 
not intended to, but the man who takes it out as a part of his 
equipment must be prepared to renew it when necessary. With 
this understood, this form of poncho is eminently serviceable. 
Air Cushions 
If you hear a man speaking sneeringly of air cushions for 
campaigning work you may safely conclude that he is a 
novice at the game, for the experienced hand recognises the 
wisdom of getting as much comfort for his work as is possible, 
and luxury when he can obtain it. Especially in winter is an 
air cushion a benefit, for one often has no inclination to take 
off a coat to roll up for a pillow, and boots make an unsatis- 
factory pillow at the best of times. An air cushion that one 
can fold up and put away in a vest pocket — one that will 
stand hard wear — is a valuable accessory to a kit. It is 
possible to obtain this article at a price which places it within 
the reach not only of every officer, but of every man of the 
rank and file as well. The contraption is of Japanese origin ; 
it has been tried over a period of three years, and one that 
has been in constant use for that period of time will still 
stand being jumped on without losing any of its content of air. 
Now, when I see a thing like this which is of real service 
I feel that I ought to advertise it, for the idea and the manner 
in which it is carried out are worthy of all praise. For naval 
men this air cushion is not only useful under normal conditions, 
but it may be the means of saving hfe as well. It is not a 
rubbered article, and consequently is not affected by heat and 
cold ; the only thing necessary in connection with its use is 
to see that it does not come into contact with any sharp 
edges or points after having been blown up. 
{To be continued next week) 
/military and 
naval tailors. 
BARTELS & CO. 
INDIAN ARMY AND 
COLONIAL OUTFITTERS. 
mLITART 
EQUIPMENTS. 
KIDIHS 
BREECBZS. 
BT SPECIAL 
APPOmTMEHT 
1 1t oohnty 
OP lOKDOB 
teohahrt. 
DUKE OP 
CAMBaiSOE'B 
HDSSAB8. 
DIPLOMATIC 
URIPOBMS. 
COCtST 
SmTS, 
IWO&SS, etc. 
26 HANOVER ST.. HANOVER SQUARE, LONDON, W.. and >t Sandhurst. 
orpiCEBS FIELD SERVICE PWIPORMB. ttc.. Bomd* to order Itt 24 lionra If reqalrod. 
T«li![>horie : iS^ys Mayfair. Telegrams: " Vcrdellio. London." FitahUshed crvtr Hair Century. 
THE OLVA 
TRENCH BOOTS 
are waterproof, pull on over the marcbine boots, and come up well over tbe 
knee, weigh from 2 to albs., and can oe easily carried. When ordering, 
please send if possible a marching or shooting boot. Prices from 35/- to 2 guineas. 
MRS. OLIVER LTD., 39 OLD BOND STREET, W. Telephone: 308S Regent. 
Many leading sportsmen and the majority of officers of the 
British Army wear " Viyella " day and night, and will have 
nothing else, because it is healthier than any other material, 
is soft and light, yet warm, very durable, and does not shrink. 
lyeiia 
^^ (Regd. Trade Mark). 
SHIRTS AND PYJAMAS 
can be obtained ready-to-wear or made-to-measure 
from all good class outfitters. The variety of 
patterns and weights of the material ensure you 
getting just what you desire. 
If any JiJjFicuIly is experienced in obtaining, please write for patterns and information to : 
W.M. HOLI.INS & CO.. LTD. (Wholesale only). 7(13 \iyella House, Newgate Street, Loncluii. 1 i . 
Get pour Service Outfit from 
STUDD AND 
MILLINGTON 
51 CONDUIT STREET. LONDON. W. 
The most sensible and practical Coat 
for an officer on active ser\'ice is a 
"BRITISH -WARM" 
lined fieece, absolutely waterproof. 
From 3 guineas. 
MILITARY GREAT COATS AND 
WATERPROOFS A SPECIALITE 
STUDD & MILLINGTON 
Sporting 6 Militart/ Tailors 
51 Conduit Street, London, W. 
"I COULD NOT SLEEP. 
99 
The words of a Sergeant just returned from the front. 
He said : " It was either a question of taking off my boots »nd making a pillow of 
them, and that was not comfortable, or else taking off my great coat and making a 
pillow of that, but »f course I needed that to wear." 
This is what many more are experiencing. Why not send your friend an air-cushion ? 
THEY ARE UNBREAKABLE. 
Will stand the combined weight of four men, and when deflated will go into the 
waistcoat pocket. Also suitable to naval men, as in case of necessity it will 
keep them afloat. 
PRICE 1/6. Postage Id. 
WILLIAMS & EDGAR, Dept. T., 23 Coleman St., London, E.C. 
195 
