Principles of Scouting 5 



landscape, where some people happen to have some 

 things. 



When first the brutal anthropoid stood up and walked 

 erect — was man, the great event was symbolized and 

 marked by the Hghting of the first campfire. 



For milHons of years our race has seen in this blessed fire, 

 the means and emblem of light, warmth, protection, friendly 

 gathering, council. All the hallow of the ancient thoughts, 

 hearth, fireside, home is centred in its glow, and the home- 

 tie itself is weakened with the waning of the home-fixe. 

 Not in the steam radiator can we find the spell; not in the 

 water coil; not even in the gas log; they do not reach the 

 heart. Only the ancient sacred fire of wood has power to 

 touch and thrill the chords of primitive remembrance. 

 When men sit together at the campfire they seem to shed 

 all modern form and poise, and hark back to the primitive 

 — to meet as man and man — to show the naked soul. 

 Your campfire partner wins your love, or hate, mostly 

 your love ; and having camped in peace together, is a lasting 

 bond of union — however wide your worlds may be apart. 



The campfire, then, is the focal centre of all primitive 

 brotherhood. We shall not fail to use its magic powers. 



(5) Woodcraft Pursuits. Realizing that manhood, not 

 scholarship, is the first aim of education, we have sought out 

 those pursuits which develop the finest character, the finest 

 physique, and which may be followed out of doors, which, in 

 a word, make for manhood. 



By nearly every process of logic we are led primarily to 

 Woodcraft — that is. Woodcraft in a large sense — meaning 

 every accompHshment of an all-round Woodman — Rid- 

 ing, Hunting, Camper-craft, Scouting, Mountaineering, 

 Indian-craft, First aid, Star-craft, Signaling, and Boating. 

 To this we add all good Outdoor Athletics and Sports, 

 including SaUing and Motoring, and Nature Study, of 



