In 1881 most of the distinctive and, in many cases, historic facings were taken from the various regiments, and blue was given to the Royal regiments and white to the others. The change seems to us, who look at the matter in the light of the antiquarian and historian, as a retrograde one, which should be deprecated in every way. To-day all the regiments of the regular British Army wear scarlet uniforms, with the following exceptions:-- 1. _Blue Uniforms_--Royal Horse Guards; 6th Dragoon Guards; King's Own Hussars; Queen's Own Hussars; Royal Irish Lancers; King's Irish Hussars; Queen's Royal Lancers; Prince of Wales's Own Hussars; Prince Albert's Own Hussars; Prince of Wales's Royal Lancers; 13th, 14th, 15th, 18th, 19th, and 20th Hussars; 17th and 21st Lancers; Royal Artillery; Royal Marine Infantry; Army Service Corps; Royal Army Medical Corps; Army Veterinary Corps; Army Ordnance Corps; Army Pay Corps. 2. _Green Uniforms_--Cameronians; King's Royal Rifle Corps; Royal Irish Rifles; Rifle Brigade. In the above notes we have merely given a rough sketch of the growth of the military uniform as it has affected the British soldier. To elaborate this information by tracing the various changes, both great and small, which have been applied to army clothing is a work of intense interest and historical value. The task is best undertaken by the curio collector, who can build up the necessary knowledge from his self-made collection of military prints, illustrated books, photographs, and actual uniforms. We do not suggest that any one reader should undertake the whole task himself; it is far better to select a particular regiment or a class of regiment, or even a particular article of dress, and trace its history with minute precision. The results achieved in this way would indeed prove valuable. Before concluding this chapter the following questions bearing on military dress may prove of interest; they are typical of the thousand and one queries which the student should ask himself:-- 1. Why do the drummers in the Guards wear fleurs-de-lys on their tunics? 2. Which regiments still wear black in memory of Wolfe? 3. Why do the Northumberland Fusiliers wear a red and white feather hackle in their caps? 4. Why does the Gloucester Regiment wear a badge on both the back and front of their hats? 5. Why has the "flash" survived with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers? 6. Why does the privilege exist with the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry of wearing shirt collars with the uniform? [Illustration: A SLEEVE FROM A COAT OF THE OLD 2ND (SOUTH MIDDLESEX) VOLUNTEER REGIMENT.] [Illustration: A BELT BUCKLE FROM THE SAME REGIMENT.] CHAPTER V ARMOUR