January 23, 191 5 
LAND AND WATER 
CHOOSING KIT 
{Continued from page 2:U) 
is against it ; unless a whole unit were equipped with the 
saddle it is very doubtful whether the Authorities would 
permit its use. The colonial saddle is not sufficiently 
conspicuous beside the regulation pattern to call for remark, 
and consequently it passes for Service use ; but I do not think 
this would be the case if the stock saddle were introduced. 
If, however, any mounted man going on Service can get a 
stock saddle and get permission to use it in his daily work, 
by all means let him take it ; if permission is lacking, the 
colonial pattern is the ne.xt best thing, and no question will 
be raised about using it. 
Water Bottles Again 
In mentioning the ideal water bottle a week or two ago 
— or as nearly the ideal as is possible to obtain — I happened 
to mention that it was made of nickel, and consequently 
heavier than the aluminium article, and also that its capacity 
was not so great as that of the regulation article. These 
two points have been raised as disadvantages, but the 
objections will not hold. As to the weight the difference 
between the two patterns is a matter of not more than two 
ounces, and probably not more than one ounce, for this 
nickel bottle is very finely made, and its very slight additional 
weight is a definite assurance against the leakage to which 
the regulation pattern is subject. As regards capacity, the 
seasoned campaigner knows that it is the height of folly to 
start drinking while on the march, for if one begins to dirink 
in the morning a bottle with a capacity of a gallon would not 
be enough. The first drink should be left, if possible, until 
near on midday, and after that one should drink as sparingly 
as possible, for, in addition to fostering a thirst by constantly 
applying to the water bottle, one reduces one's power of 
endurance. The man who drinks sparingly can do more and 
go farther than the man who empties his water bottle before 
the day is half through, and for all reasonable men and 
purposes this nickel bottle contains an ample quantity. 
Electric Lamps 
The electric torch and its variants are far too often snares 
and delusions, good only for an extremely limited period, 
and so flimsily and uncertainly constructed that they cannot 
be depended on for use under any but the most favourable 
conditions. There has recently been put on the market, 
however, an electric lamp which, by means of its press-button 
at the top, will serve for signalling by Morse code, and will 
serve as a reading or tent lamp by giving the button a half 
turn. It is enclosed in a neat leather case, which will attach 
to a Sam Browne or other belt, and the cover of this case is 
so arranged that by pressing the button at the top the light 
is cast almost directly downward, thus making map-reading 
by lamplight a perfectly easy matter. Both lamp and case 
are solidly and soundly constructed, the dry cell is a reliable 
one, and, not least of the advantages of this lamp, both it 
and its case are of British make throughout. 
Vests 
Two or three new patterns of vest have recently come to 
light, and one of them solves that old and irritating problem 
of ventilation which, to the infantryman or man who had to 
undergo any amount of physical exertion, rendered many 
patterns of vest unsuitable, although in themselves they were 
-je.xcellent things. Thus the oiled silk and fleece undervest 
' — an excellent thing for motorists and airmen — was absolutely 
barred for infantry othcers and men, and in a less degree the 
leather vest had disadvantages for any but cavalry and 
artillery officers and men ; in a lesser degree, for the problem 
of ventilation is never so great with leather as with oiled silk 
or rubber-proofed fabrics. But now there has been designed 
a vest open all the way down the sides ; it is a sort of breast 
plate and back plate joined by extensions which lie over the 
top of the shoulders, with a hole to put one's head through. 
After being slipped over the head it is tied in to the sides with 
tapes under the arms and again at the lower edge. The 
materials of which it is made are soft lambskin — an absolutely 
warm and windproof material — next the body, and outside 
this, next the tunic, a thoroughly waterproof fabric. Thus 
the garment is waterproof, windproof, and warm, while the 
0|>ening down each side ensures absolutely perfect ventilation 
without detracting from the warmth of the garment ; the 
openings are in exactly the right places, and render this about 
the best garment, from the point of view of the infantryman, 
that has been designed in vests. There are, of course, no 
sleeves ; but it is from nock to waist that warmth is required, 
and if this part of the body is adequately protected the arms 
are not likely to suffer. 
{Continued un page ;U5} 
lyeua 
^/ (R«gd. Tfade Mirk). 
for SHIRTS 
When ordering shirts remember it's the material which counts. Any good 
outfitter can make a well-fitting shirt, but YOU must choose the material. 
Ask to see patterns of " Viyella." Its appearance will charm you, and 
then it is better than ordinary flannel because it absorbs and rapidly 
radiates away the moisture of the body, and is soft, light, warm, and non- 
irritant. Moreover, it is exceedingly durable and does not shrink. Therefore 
if you want the best material for shirts and pyjamas insist on " Viyella." 
OF AUL, HIGH-CLASS OUTFITTERS 
// any difficulty is experienced in obtaining, please Write for patterns and information to : 
WM. HOLLINS Si CO., LTD. (Wholesale only). 76a Viyella House, Newgate Street, London, E.G. 
Get YOUR Service Outfit from 
STUDD AND 
MILLINGTON 
51 CONDUIT STREET, LONDON. W. 
The most sensible and practical Coat 
for an ollicer on active service is a 
"BRITISH -WARM" 
lined fleece, absolutely waterproof. 
From 3i guineas. 
MILITARY GREAT-COATS AND 
WATERPROOFS A SPECIALITE 
STUDD & MILLINGTON 
Sporting it Military Tailors 
51 Conduit Street, London. W. 
Officers expecting to go to the Front should 
inspect without delay my new speciality 
The '' IDEAL '' Fleece Coat 
Absolutely the most perfect coat for Officers at the 
present time. Price, to measure, £3 10 
' ' The closely woven fabric has made its appearance as a ' sheepskin fleece ' — very \varm 
and absolutely featherweight. With an efficient waterproof or rainproof coat for wet 
weather this fleece coat is an admirable accessory to a kit." — Land and Water, Dec, 1914. 
Also White's New Military Rainproof Slip-on, Price £3 3 
Without exception the best value obtainable. Superfine khaki drill, lined 
waterproof silk, sleeves and shoulders double material, skirt cut very full, 
2 ^ yards round. 
Pallerns and full Price List post free. 
W. WHITE, 
CIVIL aod MILITARY TTVILOR, 
10 Blenheim Street, New Bond Street, W. 
333 
