Rogers put it, "a soldier is no better than his feet." Each boy got out his stoutest boots, made sure that the linings were sound so there would be no rough places to chafe the feet, and took them to the cobbler's. If the soles had worn thin, the cobbler resoled them, and in all of them he put hobnails, so they would grip the steep rocks without slipping.
None of the Southmead Scouts wore the kind of scout uniform which has short knee pants and socks instead of stockings. As most of their hikes were through woods, this uniform would have been highly unpractical, resulting in scratched legs. Besides, all the larger Scouts, like Art and Peanut, said it was too much like the clothes rich little children wear! Instead, the Southmead troop generally wore khaki trousers and leggings.
"I think leggings are going to be too hot for this trip," Mr. Rogers said. "We'll have very little brush work to do. Suppose we cut out the leggings in favor of long khaki trousers. We'll each want an extra pair of heavy socks, and you, Lou, bring along a needle and plenty of darning cotton, to repair holes. Then we'll want an extra shirt and set of underclothes apiece, so we can change in camp after a sweaty climb. Also, we'll all want sweaters and a blanket."
"How about food?" asked Art.
"And cooking kits?" asked Peanut.
