salve or mutton-tallow; these seem to act as lubricators. Soap is better
than nothing. You ask if these do not soil the stockings. Most certainly
they do. Hence wash your stockings often, or the insides of the shoes
will become foul. Whenever you discover the slightest tendency of the
feet to grow sore or to heat, put on oil, salve, or soap, immediately.

People differ as to these things. To some a salve acts as an irritant:
to others soap acts in the same way. You must know before starting--your
mother can tell you if you don't know yourself--how oil, glycerine,
salve, and soap will affect your skin. Remember, the main thing is to
keep the feet clean and lubricated. Wet feet chafe and blister more
quickly than dry.

The same rule applies to chafing upon any part of the body. Wash and
anoint as tenderly as possible. If you have chafed in any part on
previous marches, anoint it before you begin this.

When the soldiers found their pantaloons were chafing them, they would
tie their handkerchiefs around their pantaloons, over the place
affected, thus preventing friction, and stopping the evil; but this is
not advisable for a permanent preventive. A bandage of cotton or linen
over the injured part will serve the purpose better.

Another habit of the soldiers was that of tucking the bottom of the
pantaloons into their stocking-legs when it was dusty or muddy, or when
they were cold. This is something worth remembering. You will hardly
walk a week without having occasion to try it.

Leather leggins, such as we read about in connection with Alpine travel,
are recommended by those who have used them as good for all sorts of