The East India Vade-Mecum, Volume 1 (of 2): or, complete guide to gentlemen intended for the civil, military, or naval service of the East India Company.Williamson, Thomas
History
The East India Vade-Mecum, Volume 1 (of 2): or, complete guide to gentlemen intended for the civil, military, or naval service of the East India Company.
Williamson, Thomas
India -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Handbooks, manuals, etc.
Hats are so very subject to be injured on board-ship, and, indeed, to be
blown overboard, that I should recommend but little attention to
appearance in that article. In this, as well as in most of the
foregoing, a large portion may be supplied from the stock in use
previous to embarkation. The old saying, of ‘going to sea to wear out
one’s old clothes,’ has so far sense on its side, that whatever can be
decently worn will be found full good enough for that purpose. Persons
who are growing, should observe the precaution of having every article
of apparel made full large; else, by the time they may have been some
months at sea, they will be put to serious inconvenience. It is true,
that few ships sail without a tailor on board, but he is not always to
be had; being generally employed by the purser; or he may be in the sick
list, &c.
With respect to leather-breeches, two pairs may be taken by those
accustomed to hard riding; though nankeen are in general use for the
greater part of the year. In the cold season, the former are extremely
comfortable. Three, or even four, pairs of boots, as many of shoes, and
two round hats, of the best quality; together with two best coats, of
the lightest cloth, or kerseymere, two waistcoats, and two pair of
breeches, of fine white kerseymere, should be packed, with the intention
of being reserved for use in India.
It may be said, that tailors, shoe-makers, &c. abound in India; and,
that every article above-mentioned may be made up, or be obtained there.
The truth is, that all artizans in that quarter expect exorbitant
profits, to enable their amassing sums wherewith to return to Europe.
The materials are likewise much dearer; and many, if not all, of a very
inferior quality. Articles of European manufacture, except when the
market is absolutely glutted, bear full £80. and occasionally £200. per
cent. advance on the prime cost: add to this, that sometimes gentlemen
are so far removed from their trades-people, who are by no means
expeditious in their work, and, if at all expert, have ever more on hand
than they can execute, as to render it next to impracticable for them to
be supplied as they would wish.
With respect to woollens, boots, shoes, &c. Europe is the great source;
no cloths being
manufactured in India, except a kind somewhat resembling serge; and the
leather in general use among the native cordwainers being so ill tanned,
that, after being once wet through, which is effected by the slightest
exposure to moisture, it stretches, losing its shape and pliancy, so as
to be both uncomfortable and unsightly. The native shoe-makers are
certainly very neat in their work, but, owing to the badness of their
materials, cannot, in this case, be recommended.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account