n this war had these two things, the kit bag and valise, although of
course a great deal may be rolled up and carried in the valise only
and the bag left behind if it comes to a pinch.

The following articles are most useful to carry always, viz.:--Service
telescope, and also binoculars as well if one can afford it (Zeiss or
Ross's); a knife with all implements (especially corkscrew); a light
tin cylinder to hold charts, plans, intelligence maps, and private
maps or sketches; also writing materials, diary and order books, can
be carried in a flat waterproof sponge bag case. As luxuries which can
be done without:--A collapsible india-rubber bath basin and waterproof
sheet, very compact as got at the Army and Navy Stores; a small
mincing machine (the only means of digesting a trek ox), and sparklet
bottle and sparklets are very handy. Such other luxuries as cigars,
cigarettes, pipes, etc., can always be stowed in some corner of the
valise or bag. Carry brown leather polish, dubbing, and laces.

Leather gear as carried on one's back should be a "Sam Brown Belt" of
the single cross strap kind, in preference to the Naval Service gear.
On this one can carry one's revolver, water-bottle, and haversack,
which with glasses slung over all and separately, complete all one
requires as a gunner. Swords were not carried during this war by
officers, as in cases where the rifle was substituted, they only
proved an incumbrance. A stick for the marching officer, like "Chinese
Gordon" had, cannot be beaten.

A hint as to food before we part. Don't go on the principle "because I
am campaigning I must resign myself to feed badly on what I can pick
up and on what my stomach is entirely unaccustomed to." There was
never a greater mistake. On the contrary, feed yourself and those
under you on the best, sparing no expense, and when you can get wine
instead of muddy water, drink it to keep you going and your blood in
good order. Do yourself as well as you can, is my advice and
experience, after perhaps rather thinking and going the other way at
first. It simply means that when others run down and go sick with
dysentery, fever and other ills, you are still going strong and fit
for work. Naturally advice on this point is entirely dependent on
means of transport; but when this exists, as it did with the Naval
Brigade who had ammunition wagons, a hundred pounds weight or so makes
little difference to them if not already overloaded. Take the best