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TRAVELLING, HINTS ON

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.


Copyright ©2004 SatCure
Updated June 29, 2004
This file may be downloaded for private and personal use but NO part of it may be published in any form without the prior permission of the author.