Page:Motors and motor-driving (1902).djvu/106

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MOTORS AND MOTOR-DRIVING
under his arm a cheap American cloth table-cover, of a brilliant orange hue, and ornamented with a chaste design in bright pink flowers, and also a large gridiron, a fine specimen of the kind which stands on four short legs and has a long handle. He first proceeded to break off the handle of the gridiron, and remarking that he always liked to keep a certain portion of his anatomy dry, placed it on the seat and sat down on it: then borrowing my knife, he dexterously cut a slit in the exact middle of the table cover, through which he passed his head, observing that now he didn't care a —— when we got to Hay.

One of the principal waterproofers in the City of London has devised a kilt made of strong indiarubber material which is absolutely waterproof. This kilt is worn high round the waist, buttons down the side, and reaches below the knees. It is intended to be worn with gaiters, and under a great-coat. If the driver's seat becomes a pool of water the wearer of this kilt remains in blissful ignorance of the fact. Furthermore, the draining of water from the front openings of the coat which is apt to take place at the point where the legs bend from the body is shot off by means of this kilt. It has this advantage also, that in very cold weather if it be found necessary to alight from the carriage to make some adjustment, the hot envelope of air is still retained under it. On the other hand, if the driver be using a rug, he finds it necessary to throw it on one side, and to expose his warm legs to the cold air.

Snow Boots—viz. boots having indiarubber soles and cloth sides, which are made to slip on over other boots will be found invaluable for motor-driving in cold weather.

Hats.—As to the matter of head-dress, it must be at once admitted that the peaked cap which has found so much favour amongst the chauffeurs on the Continent is not adopted, and, I think, never will be adopted, by British gentlemen for motor-riving. The Englishman appears to have a horror of anything approaching a uniform; or, in fact, of wearing anything which would draw the eyes of people upon him. Officers in the army and navy never wear their uniforms except when