Trunks, valises, etc.
Strength and lightness are most fully combined perhaps
in those made of fibre, and covered with waterproof
canvas. Leather goods of high quality are necessarily
heavy. Very distinct advantages attach to the use of
receptacles which singly can be easily transported in the
hand and taken into the carriage. It is much easier to
carry a 40lb valise in each hand than one of 80lb in one
hand. The subdivision is convenient in another way, as
the number of valises can be proportioned to the length
of absence from home, and the bulk of articles taken. You
can also divide articles of clothing between the two, so
that, should one be lost, you will still have clothing
available. It is very well worth while having really good
locks placed on trunks - locks which cannot be picked by
any one but an expert. The locks ordinarily fitted afford
but little protection and give a false sense of security.
Distinguishing marks on trunks are usually confined to
the owner's initials; but if you are prepared to
sacrifice appearance to quick identification, have
coloured lines painted right round your trunk and marks
put on the ends, so that the article may be promptly
"spotted" among a heap of other luggage. This will save
much time at terminuses, and reduce the likelihood of the
trunk getting into the wrong hands.
Labelling - Both van and hand luggage should be
labelled at home with the owner's station of destination
and full address.
Packing. - People who make frequent short
business or other expeditions should paste on the inside
of the valise generally used a list of the items which
must be taken on every occasion. Prior to a long stay
away from home, draw out a full list, and do not start
packing till all the items have been verified and
checked. Tick items off as packed, and take the list with
you to re-check before the return journey. Articles
likely to be required in the journey should be placed in
a separate handbag, or in a valise, on top of things not
needed, so as to be easily got at. If there be room to
spare in a trunk or valise, fill it with balls of
newspaper, to prevent things shifting. Or squeeze in a
canvas bag, which can be used to carry additional items
home on the return journey.
Things that may prove Useful - A few telegram forms; a
fountain pen, notepaper, stamped envelopes, and post
cards; a supply of adhesive and tie-Iabels; a towel; a
couple of spare straps; a supply of twine; a pocket
flash-Iamp.
On the Railway. - 1. Provide yourself before
starting with plenty of small change, as it is annoying
having to give a larger tip than one wishes for lack of a
coin of small value. 2. Take a time table with you on
cross-country journeys ; it will often save you a good
deal of trouble. 3. Where a party is travelling together,
divide duties : one taking the tickets, another looking
after the luggage, a third finding seats, and so on. 4.
In hot weather select a seat on what will be the shady
side during the hotter hours of the day ; in covered
stations one is apt to overlook this point. In cold
weather - or at any time if you object to draughts -
select a back-to-the engine corner seat, and beware of
putting your valise against heating coils under the seat.
5. Be careful to lay umbrellas and sticks in the rack, or
they may be injured. by heavy packages placed on top. 6.
Hand luggage is more easily got out of the rack on the
opposite side; so, if you can, arrange things with your
opposite number "for an exchange of accommodation". 7. If
possible, see your luggage placed in the van, and note
carefully its position in the train, so that you can
direct the porter positively on reaching your
destination. 8. Central compartments are more comfortable
than those directly over the wheels. 9. Before adjourning
to the dining car, collect your belongings, and if the
train is likely to stop at a station while you are absent
from your compartment take any specially valuable things
with you. 10. If you have occasion to leave the train for
a few minutes at a stopping-place, make a note of the
number of your carriage or some prominent object opposite
it. 11. On cold days open the windows at stopping-places
to freshen up the compartment. 12. For all-night journeys
take a vacuum flask containing a hot drink (which may be
unobtainable en route), and a thick wrap or rug. 13.
Gaiters give a comforting protection against draughts
round the legs.
WEATHER
SIGNS - Of good weather: Heavy dew; a clear sky
rosy at sunset; a gray sky in the morning; dawn first
seen on the horizon ("low dawn") ; swallows flying high;
sea birds flying out far to seaward early in morning;
soft, delicate clouds; clouds decreasing in size.
SIGNS - Of bad weather: Red sky in the morning;
dawn above bank of clouds (wind); bright yellow sky at
sunset (wind) ; pale, watery sky at sunset (rain) ;
watery moon; light coloured small clouds driving across
dark, heavy masses; unusual clearness of distant sounds;
swallows flying low, seabirds flying far inland; animals
in the fields seeking sheltered places ; pigs carrying
straw into their sties.
"Rain before seven, fine before eleven" proves true
oftener than not.
