IT ttzto tu tit (Eitnr.
THE SOLDIER'S CAP.
London, 23d October 1854. SIR—As a care for the Armyis not repudiated by you, let nie cell your attention to a small' but important item which is to be introduced into the new uniform when the costume reform takes place next year. The present infantry, shako is to be abolished,-e-and 'well be' so, for very unsightly and not very serviceable is -it; ' but, aloe! that which is proposed is- both more unsightly- and more Unserviceable than that now in use —nay,. it is even worse, then that discarded: bead-piece the first Albert shako. The thing proposed is somewhat -difficult of description : it is a -,little conical-shaped compound of beaver and patent leather, with a large sun-peak standing strait out from the forehead. It will barely cover the head, and not the least provision is made to protect the neck from the rain or sun ; on the contrary, it will rather act as a gutter-pipe to convey the rain down the men's hack.
Why is'the English infantryman always doonied to be made uncomforta- ble telimself and uncomfortable to the beholder ? How much 'better would have been the helmet of which, we have lately-seen- so many good patterns, somewhat after the fashion of the Prussian. lhie'at• the same time is a handsome and serviceable,appointment : the headbefere and behind is well protected from sun and wet,, end: it gives the weareramartial and classic ap- pearance. The protection of thabaek of the heat end, neck from the sun is an important point that seems not to be understood by the cap-manufacturer or inventor ; but we who have been in warm climates !mow the importance
of it. - • •
The pattern such as I have- above described as that of the intended shako has been " approved" e but it may not yet be too late, if taken up in the proper quarter, to stop the order, and to change it for that which good taste
and commonsense would-point out. •
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