Lieutenant-Colonel E. Napier, in his work entitled "Excursions in Southern Africa," has described the effect of the trappings of the English soldier in so able a manner, that I am afraid to attempt any further description, but must e'en pirate this author's words, and beg his pardon for the theft:-- "The `Rode Bashees' of the party, as the Kaffirs denominate our gallant red-jackets, to distinguish them from the `Amabula' (Boers) and the `Umlaou,' or Hottentots, of the force, had previously, as much as possible, divested themselves of those old-fashioned `pipeclay' trammels, only calculated, when on service, to impede the movements and check the brilliant valour of the British troops. Tight tape-laced coatees (scarlet in leprosy) were cast aside, and shell-jackets, well patched with leather, generally speaking, had become the order of the day. Blue dungaree trowsers were substituted for white prolongations. The heavy knapsack had been left at head-quarters, and was replaced by a small canvas bag loosely slung across the right shoulder. Few stiff, leather dog-collars,--most appropriately called `stocks,'--now answered the roll; and the crown of that very essence of discomfort and uselessness yclept the `chako' being kicked out, had made way for the rather more sensible head-dress of the `forage-cap;' whilst, horrible to relate! many a sunburnt, weather-beaten English phiz,--long a stranger to razor or soap-suds, and spite of `whisker' regulations,--wildly peeped through a bushy jungle of untrimmed beard and luxuriant moustache, which, though rather, it must be admitted, brigand-like appendages, were undoubtedly found more comfortable by the respective wearers than an equal proportion of sores or blisters, with which the `pale faces were sure to be covered if deprived in this fiery clime of that protection so kindly afforded by Nature'. "The above is, generally speaking, a correct representation of the British soldier when on actual service; and only shows how completely unfitted are his everyday dress and appointments (though perhaps well enough adapted to the household troops) for the roughing of a campaign; particularly such campaigns as he is most likely to be engaged in, against uncivilised barbarians, under a burning sun, and amidst the abrading effects of dense and thorny jungles.