HINTS

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PERSONS PROCEEDING TO INDIA.

My first recommendation is, that whatever part you are going to, or in whatever capacity, let no one induce you to purchase cheap common-made clothes, under the idea that any thing is good enough for abroad, as nothing can be more fallacious. It is true, that rich expensive clothing is rarely, if ever, required, and it is not such that I would recommend; but the rough usage all things meet with abroad, and the very great difficulty of getting them repaired or replaced, renders it doubly important that every article should be strongly made and of good material. If your means are limited, it will be much better to put up with the inconvenience of a short stock of good useful things, than to have an ample supply of the common trash so generally put off for outfits, as, independent of the discomfort of wearing such things, they actually cost more money in the end. It is quite absurd to suppose that in London (where competition in every business is so great) any one house can sell goods of equal quality much lower than another; and, therefore, whenever a tradesman professes to supply you at ten or fifteen per cent. less than any others, you may rely upon it that his goods are very inferior, and his word not be depended upon. The great difference in tradesmen, I apprehend, to be this,-that some are striving to do a large business and get money at any risk, while others, equally anxious, perhaps, for an extensive business, are, notwithstanding, more intent upon keeping up an established name than upon the actual money-getting, and you will find men of this class are as careful to maintain the name and standing of their house as any nobleman can be his title; and hence it is that you are so much better served at a house of respectability.

When ordering an outfit, I strongly recommend the employment of a respectable, well-established outfitter. The articles required are so various, and such a thorough knowledge of business is necessary for the selection, that I am quite convinced none but experienced tradesmen can execute such orders properly, and more particularly as the most inferior goods are now produced so like in appearance to the better kinds, that it is only the most practised eye which can detect them.

Never have your military things made by an outfitter, as none but military tailors can make them up as they should be made. Some of the best outfitters make the white jackets and trousers quite as well as tailors, and much cheaper, but none of them can be depended upon for military clothing; nor would I recommend them for any kind of cloth clothes. Should you not be acquainted with a military tailor, the outfitter you employ can most probably direct you to a good one, and would necessarily be responsible for the order being well executed.

I recommend you, therefore, to employ a tailor for all military and cloth clothes; but I would advise you, on no account whatever, to order your shirts or any other portion of your outfit from the tailor, as they can only buy them from some outfitter or slopseller, and consequently you will either have to pay an extra profit, or what is more frequently the case, have inferior articles; added to which, not being thoroughly acquainted with the outfitting business, is a most decided bar to your orders being well executed, or your outfit properly arranged by them.

It is advisable, if possible, to make arrangements with some house in London, that will forward any articles required while abroad, as you will thereby effect a considerable saving in many of your future wants. If you have not an agent in London, and employ a respectable outfitter, you can probably make the arrangement with him; but if you adopt the latter, I would strongly recommend you to give no orders until you have proved your outfit to have been well executed, as, if that is not satisfactory, it will be in vain to expect better success with after orders.

Having had but little to do with agents myself, I have not much to say upon the subject; there are many cases, however, where they can render good service. In procuring a passage, for instance, they can generally make better terms than a private individual; besides which, their intimate acquaintance with the various ships, and knowledge of the different captains, is often of great advantage, as the comfort of a voyage depends very much upon both. I believe some of the agents undertake outfits, or, at any rate, will recommend you an outfitter. I advise you, however, not to trust too implicitly to such recommendations, but look well to your own outfits, give your own orders, pay your own bills, and keep your own receipts.

It is commonly observed, that many things may be got quite as good and cheap in India, as in England; and it is so far true, that in some parts of India you may, by chance (but it is only chance), meet with a gun, or pistol, or saddle, or something of the kind, both good and cheap; but the experience I have had in that way will not induce me again to risk such chances, nor would I recommend others; but, on the contrary, I advise all parties to take with them every article they are likely to want, most particularly those I have enumerated in the several lists. I would urge this especially with writers, cadets, and assistant surgeons, and, in fact, with all young men, as it is very desirable to avoid, if possible, the necessity of any outlay until they are somewhat acquainted with the habit, mode of living, and value of money in India; for on first landing, with but little knowledge of future expenses, and the command probably of more money than he ever before had in his possession, the youngster is too apt to supply his present wants without sufficient regard to the contingencies which await him.

SADDLERY.-The saddlery of this country is much better than can be got in India, and therefore it is desirable to take out any that may be required.

CANTEENS.-Some old officers strongly recommend canteens, and others condemn them as useless in India. I think that a small breakfast canteen is very useful; but unquestionably it can be dispensed with. A small case, however, containing two spoons and forks of each size, and knives to match, is very desirable, if not indispensable.

Books.-I presume that no one would be without his Bible and Prayer-book; others must be a matter of taste; but I most particularly recommend a few well-selected books, and amongst others, Mill's "History of India ;" Wilson's "Continuation of Mill" (Jas. Madden); Emma Roberts' "Scenes and Sketches in Hindostan ;" the " History of the Punjaub" (published by Allen & Co.); Mrs. Postans' "Western India;" the "Calcutta Review" (Smith, Elder, & Co.) ;

Orme's "Military History;" Snodgrass's "Burmese War;" the "Memorials of Affghanistan" (Allen & Co.); Mr. Shore's "Notes on Indian Affairs;" "Real Life in India" (Houlston & Stoneman).

FLANNEL WAISTCOATS.-Whatever may be said upon the subject of wearing flannel in India, I am quite certain that no one thing is more essential to health in warm climates than the continual use of flannel. The thinnest and most gauzy material is desirable; the important object to obtain being a good absorbent without oppressive heat. An extremely light woollen waistcoat, called Thresher's India Gauze, is very highly esteemed in India, and is certainly the most comfortable thing possible for under-waistcoats.

WHITE JACKETS AND TROUSERS.-It is not uncommon to hear some of the learned Indian friends assert, that jackets and trousers can be got cheaper in India than in England; but this only applies to the common cotton things, which no young man would like to appear in on lately leaving England. The fact is, that two dozen of trousers, and at least one dozen jackets, are absolutely necessary immediately on arrival in India, and therefore should be taken from this country, of good quality, and very strongly made. Expenses come on a young man quite fast enough in India, and it is very unwise, and, indeed, cruel, to subject him to positive charges the moment he steps foot in a land many thousand miles from home.

SOCKS AND STOCKINGS of all kinds are very inferior in all parts of India, and are also very expensive, therefore an ample supply is necessary; and they should be very good.

BULLOCK TRUNKS are more suitable for India than any other package whatever; from their convenient size, they may be used for travelling in every part of India, and if well made, will last many years; but the inferior ones become useless in a few months. They should be made very strong, and covered with the material that valises are made of, and should also have brass corners. The leather trunks do not answer, and it is a bad plan to take out common boxes, with the idea of changing them for bullock trunks in India, as a little more cost at the time will procure good ones, and prevent the necessity of buying them in India. For the overland route, there is a very light regulation trunk, made to a particular size, and as any additional weight has to be paid for, it is very desirable to confine yourself to these trunks for that route, notwithstanding many will tell you that any size may be taken. It is true that large trunks may be taken, but it is often attended with much inconvenience, and always with additional expense.

SWING COT or COUCH.-If by ship route, and comfort only be studied, I should recommend a swing cot and a couch with drawers, the latter being very convenient in the cabin, although rather too cumbersome for much travelling. There is, however, an article combining both, which is called a swing sofa, one of which I have used for some years, and found extremely comfortable. A good article of this kind will serve a cadet as sofa and bed for years in India. The best of them are made of cane, with the sides and back to fold up in a strong canvass, and sufficiently light to be carried on men's heads. Mine, with the mattrass and pillows, cost 6l. 10s. ; but I have since seen them much lower in price, and inferior in quality. If expense is an object, I would advise a swing cot in preference, as an article of the kind named will be useless in a few months, if not very well made and strong.

The following lists (suitable to the classes named) comprise all that is actually necessary for an outfit to India; and the numbers fixed are the smallest complement that can be taken with any degree of comfort and cleanliness; for it must be observed, that in warm latitudes, frequent change of linen is absolutely necessary. }

Twenty-four Thresher's India gauze One leather dressing-case.

This equipment is also suited, with very little variation, for all civil appointments, whether clerical, legal, or mercantile.

Equipment for a Civilian by Ship.

This equipment is also suited, with very little variation, for all civil appointments, whether clerical, legal, or mercantile.

Equipment for Infantry and Cavalry Cadets, and Assistant-Surgeons, by the Overland Route.

Twenty-four Thresher's Indian gauze Twelve pairs white duck trousers for