January 23, 191 5 
LAND AND WATER 
CHOOSING KIT 
(Continued from page 233) 
The Perils of Glass 
I own to having recommended a . metal-covered glass 
flask for Service use, but the particular pattern to which 
I referred is no longer made, and at the present time there 
seems to be no flask obtainable witli a glass body which can 
be regarded as safe for Service use. The silver flask with 
bayonet top is the best, as it is free from fear of breakage, 
and throughout all one's kit glass should be avoided as a 
peril. It is now possible to obtain even mirrors of polished 
nickel in place of glass mirrors, and the nickel pattern is 
infinitely preferable. Glass is an absolute danger, for the 
conditions to which kit is subjected on Service are such that 
breakages are inevitable sooner or later, and in addition to 
the danger of broken glass there is also the loss of some 
p^sibly indispensable item of outfit. An inexperienced 
youth, surveying the water bottle to which reference has been 
made more than once, expressed the opinion that it would be 
better with a porcelain top — which is practically the same 
thing as fitting a glass top. Had he taken on Service a 
water bottle with a porcelain top it would certainly have got 
broken sooner or later, and he would possibly have been 
minus a serviceable water bottle at the time he needed it most. 
A " Balaclava " 
Most wearers of uniform have experienced the doubtful 
pleasure of water trickling down the back of their necks in a 
heavy rain, and many of the " Balaclava " pattern caps and 
hoods permit this just as much as the ordinary field-service 
cap. There is, however, a " Balaclava " hood which prevents 
this, by means of an extension of the back flap, made of 
waterproofed material, which comes down over the back of 
the collar and carries the water away. This particular cap 
is made with holes for the ears, so that it can be worn on duty 
without affecting the hearing, while as a sleeping cap it has 
little flaps inside which draw down over the holes and cover 
in the ears. In addition to keeping the head warm, it affords 
good protection for neck and shoulders. 
A New Mess Tin 
Although the article in question goes by the name of 
" mess tin," it is aluminium throughout, and thus is of 
practically negligible weight. The exterior tin forms a 
cooking pot of, probably, about two pints capacity, and the 
lid forms a frying pan, both of really serviceable dimensions. 
When the whole affair is packed, half the interior of the tin is 
occupied by a semi-circular vessel with separate hd, in which 
the meat ration can be carried, either cooked or uncooked. 
There are two lidded receptacles for the tea and coffee or 
sugar rations, and yet another vessel which may be used for 
carrying pepper and salt, while the handle of the outer vessel 
is detachable, can be used either for the cooking pot or the 
frying pan, and its other end forms a fork. Altogether this 
form of mess tin — featherweight in character — is a multum in 
parvo, and well deserving of consideration. 
The " Leather Jerkin " 
Concerning the ventilated vest with ties at the sides, to 
which reference has already been made, it may be remarked 
that this is also obtainable in leather, and in leather lined 
with a layer of oiled silk and another layer of cloth. Both 
these patterns have patent buckle attachments for drawing 
up the sides to fit the wearer, and, with the open sides, form 
the first practical attempt that seems to have been made to 
adapt a leather vest to the needs of men who have much 
marching to do. There can be little doubt that the long 
spell of rainy weather to which Western Europe has been 
subjected at the beginning of the winter will be followed by 
severe cold, and the spring is sure to bring biting winds with 
it. This is the time at which these leather vests are of most 
service, and, with the open sides to admit of sufficient 
ventilation in the case of infantry officers and men, this 
adaptation of the old-time leather jerkin will find its way up 
to the firing line in ever increasing numbers. 
(To be continued next week) 
SHIR.TMAKER. _ 
,277 HIGH HOLBORN LONDON^ 
.-> <ni\Jrin o.. 
GOOD QUALITY 
Khaki 
Shirts 
AND WINDPROOF 
LEATHER UNDERJACKETS 
A SPECIALITY 
Send to-day for patterns and prices. 
SHIRTS MADE TO MEASURE ON THE PREMISES IN 2 HOURS 
Eatablished 
80 YEARS. 
The Regulation British -made "Smith's" 
ELECTRIC SIGNALLING & READING LAMP 
< ^I'ush-piccc 
This view shows the importance 
of the Lamp for map and 
despatch reading. The push- 
piece can be operated on without 
opening the case, and the case 
can be detached without un- 
buckling the belt. Suitable for 
any climate and waterproof. 
Batteries " British Made." 
Price complete, ly/O 
Including two extra bulbs in lid. 
Extra batteries i/6 each 
Extra bulbs i/- each 
In ordering Extra Batteries the following 
will be sufficient ; — 
'-_. , __ f^ Post immediately Batteries No. 295 
i.Ue of Lamp, 5I X3I )■ ij inches. 
S 9MITI-I Xr ^r>M I TD., TRAFALGAH SQ., LONDON. W.C. 
COlVIlin OC OVJiy, L, and 68 PICCADILLY. LONDON. W. 
^^^ Holders O/Jive Royal Warrants. (Established 1S51.J ^^^— * — ^^^^^^^^^— 
10/- Post Free. 
(£400 per 1,000) 
Three- fold {leather, 
rubber-tissue, lineiijeli), 
absolutely waterproof 
but ventilated, for 
Cavalry.Naval Officers 
and Airmen. 15/6 
Extra Special Quality, 
lined, with "V" front, 
forOfficers'tun ics. 21/- 
The O.W. 
Leather 
Cuirass 
(LEATHER JERKIN) 
This CUIRASS is soft 
and pliable as a glove 
and warm as fur, but 
CANNOT, unlike 
EVERY description of 
hair, fur, or raw wool, 
breed 3uiosijh'o[ " ver- 
min." It weighs only a 
few ounces and permits 
(when desired) a free cir- 
culation of air. It is 
practically waterproofand 
ABSOLUTELY wind- 
proof. Both sides m.ay be 
completely closed to en- 
tirely envelop and fully 
protect ALL the vital 
organs, and then it neither 
impedes movement nor 
causes discomfort. The 
size can be adjusted to 
ANY figure from 34- in. 
to 43 in. waist. It is the 
ideal gift for YOUR 
soldier or sailor boy. 
O.W. Cuirass Syndicate 
33 Foubert's Place, Regent Street, W. 
GUN 
DEAFNESS 
PREVENTED 
DEAFNESS IS A TRIAL THAT CANNOT BE 
BORNE PATIENTLY. 
There are many men home from the front suffering keenly 
from this affliction, which is much less easily cured than 
prevented. Let us then prevent it. This is immensely 
simplified by the invention of Harbutt's 
PATENT 
FIBROUS PLASTICINE 
A small piece made into a plug and placed in each ear effectu- 
ally cuts up the nerve-shattering concussions while interfering 
but little with ordinary conversation, the word of command, or 
the bugle call ; and the price is only yd., in a strong tin box, 
post paid. Every man at the Front ought to have a box. 
Send one to your friend there. 
HARBUTTS PLASTICINE, LTD., 50 BATHAMPTON, BATH. 
235 
