Some means must be adopted for protecting the ears from the noises of the rifles and bombs and shells. Cotton wool will serve, but a much better device is on the market, called "Ear Defenders." They are small vulcanite cylinders that are inserted into the ears. Near the end of the cylinder there is a diaphragm of fine gauze which is pushed up against the wall by the sound waves created by great noises (thus protecting the drum of the ear) while they do not respond at all to the waves from small sounds. Consequently it is quite possible to hear the words of a person speaking, and not be affected by the noise of the guns. I have used them myself and can vouch for their efficacy, though it does take a little time to become used to them. Then again nearly every soldier will need a wrist watch. These should be luminous, for there is much waste of time involved in striking a match or going to a lamp to see the time. It pays to buy a good watch, and by all means get a removable cover for the glass face, for glasses easily break, and it is difficult to get them repaired on service. I do not intend this list to be exhaustive, but to contain the most important things that a soldier will need to include in this equipment. Officers are allowed more baggage, and will need more, but the mistake must not be made of overloading or taking unnecessary things. They will need a canvas valise and a sleeping bag to go with it, and, if possible, a very light mattress, weighing not more than a few pounds. A canvas water bucket and a wash basin, and a change of uniform are very necessary. As to weapons, I found that the Colt automatic was very serviceable. Swords are of course not carried in France. They are a nuisance for most purposes, though they do make excellent toasting forks. In action we led our men, equipped only with revolver and cane. In raids and trench work a handy instrument is the trench dagger--a knife of about nine inches long, ending in a handle that has openings for the four fingers to go through, thus serving as a "knuckle duster." Field glasses are essential and indeed they should be supplied to some of the non-commissioned officers as well. Nothing under four nor over eight diameters should be chosen. Below that figure they do not magnify enough, and above that figure they magnify too much. Six or seven is ideal for the infantryman. Some form of collapsible periscope may be carried, but most of us discarded the ones we had bought in England in favour of the simple ones that I have described in another place. I would utter again the warning against loading up with too many things. Get few things but get good ones and keep them good is the best advice that I can give. CHAPTER XIII TRICKS FOR THE TRENCHES