274 



The Book of Woodcraft 



cutting into a standing dead tree, or on 

 the under side of down timber that is not 

 entirely on the ground. 



On the prairies and plains, since buffalo 

 chips are no more, we use horse and cow 

 chips, kindled with dry grass and roots of 

 sage-brush, etc. 



To keep a fire alive all night, bank the 

 coals: i. e., bury them in ashes. 



Always put out the fire on leaving camp. 



It is a crime to leave a burning fire. 



Use buckets of water if need be. 



COUNCIL-FIRE 



The Council-fire is a very different thing from the cooking 

 fire or the so-called bonfire. And there are just as many 

 ways of making it wrong. 



These are the essentials: 



It must be easily started. 



It must give a steady, bright light. 



It must have as little heat as possible, for it is mostly 

 used in the summer. Therefore, it must be small. 



It is best built as in (c), about two and one half feet 

 high; the bottom stick about three feet long; the rest shorter 

 and smaller. 



The small wood and chips to light it can be put either 

 under or on top of the second layer. 



It should be drawn in toward the top, so as to bum with- 

 out falling apart. 



It must contain a large proportion of dry, winter-seasoned 

 wood, if it is to blaze brightly. The readiest seasoned wood 

 is usuaEy old lumber. . 



