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DIRECTIONS TO TRAVELLERS.
A very few hints will suffice
in the way of suggestions as to equipment and other considerations in
travelling. The more limited the number of persons in a touring party, it is
obvious the less risk there will be of inconvenience in point of
accommodation, as there may be in many parts of the highlands where there is
only a single inn of moderate size. Pedestrians should have their wardrobe
as light and scanty as possible; but in every case we would recommend
woollen clothing to be used (including worsted stockings, which should he
changed every day). Or a light over-coat should be carried. Indeed this will
be found indispensable, as there may he frequent occasion for boating and
coaching. A walking umbrella should always be carried, to protect one from
the sun as much as from the rain, together with a compass, and a travelling
map had best be wrapped in an oil-skin, which will also serve to carry it
few sheets of writing-paper and sketch-book, with pen and ink and drawing
materials. In case of deviating out of the usual thoroughfares, a few
buttons, pins, thread and needles, and soap, with a piece of linen rag for
bruises and sores, may not he amiss; and all ought to he provided with a
little medicine, chiefly laxative and sedative. Blisters on the skin should
be opened by running a needle through them, or with a penknife, and the foot
and stocking sole well rubbed with brown soap, which hardens the skin. A tea
dinner is a good arrangement, with refreshment during the day. But the
pedestrian should not leave in the morning without at least a piece of bread
or other nourishment, to prevent faintishness by the way. Eat it along with
the water you will feel disposed to drink on your journey, but use spirits
of all kinds in great moderation, especially during the early parts of the
day. Milk and water is a safe and satisfying beverage. If on a botanical or
geological excursion of some endurance, carry but one pair of strong,
large-sized shoes, one pair of trowsers, one cloth waistcoat with leather
pockets, one square short coat, provided with six large pockets, two out and
two inside, and two in the breasts, two pair of coarse worsted socks, two
shirts, one black silk neckcloth, and a cap or wide-awake. Geologists should
carry a small chipping hammer, and a quadrant for taking the dip of rocks;
and the botanist will find that a few sheets of paper and blot-sliest
between stout pasteboards, and tied with a strong cord, or a strap and
buckle, will form a useful and convenient press for preserving specimens.
Knapsacks are apt to tear and let in the rain where it is not wanted; so
that, if the appearance of a Iight wicker basket, so woven or protected as
to be water tight, is disregarded, it will be found the best general
receptacle for all sorts of stores and comforts. Bnt for the most part, the
pedestrian should make his wardrobe so portable as to be easily contained in
his coat pockets. Waterproof capes will be found of great service by all
travellers, and are less burdensome than an over-coat; but then they do not
serve as a sufficient substitute when one is exposed without motion. A pair
of slippers will be found a comfort, which well repays the trouble of
carrying.
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