pair of elkskin pants,
which most effectually prevented the air from penetrating to the skin,
and made an excellent defense against brush and thorns.

My men, who were dressed in the regulation clothing, wore out their
pants and shoes before we reached the summit of the mountains, and many
of them had their feet badly frozen in consequence. They mended their
shoes with pieces of leather cut from the saddle-skirts as long as they
lasted, and, when this material was gone, they covered the entire shoe
with green beeve or mule hide, drawn together and sewed upon the top,
with the hair inside, which protected the upper as well as the sole
leather. The sewing was done with an awl and buckskin strings. These
simple expedients contributed greatly to the comfort of the party; and,
indeed, I am by no means sure that they did not, in our straitened
condition, without the transportation necessary for carrying disabled
men, save the lives of some of them. Without the awl and buckskins we
should have been unable to have repaired the shoes. They should never
be forgotten in making up the outfit for a prairie expedition.

We also experienced great inconvenience and pain by the reflection of
the sun's rays from the snow upon our eyes, and some of the party
became nearly snow-blind. Green or blue glasses, inclosed in a wire
net-work, are an effectual protection to the eyes; but, in the absence
of these, the skin around the eyes and upon the nose should be
blackened with wet powder or charcoal, which will afford great relief.

In the summer season shoes are much better for footmen than boots, as
they are lighter, and do not cramp the ankles; the soles should be
broad, so as to allow a square, firm tread, without distorting or
pinching the feet.

The following list of articles is deemed a sufficient outfit for one
man upon a three months' expedition, viz.:

2 blue or red flannel overshirts, open in front, with buttons.
2 woolen undershirts.
2 pairs thick cotton drawers.
4 pairs woolen socks.
2 pairs cotton socks.
4 colored silk handkerchiefs.
2 pairs stout shoes, for footmen.
1 pair boots, for horsemen.
1 pair shoes, for horsemen.
3 towels.
1 gutta percha poncho.
1 broad-brimmed hat of soft felt.
1 comb and brush.
2 tooth-brushes.
1 pound Castile soap.
3 pounds bar soap for washing clothes.
1 belt-knife and small whetstone.
Stout linen thread, large ne