CAMPING 173 



Next we come to the bedding, an important part of 

 the outfit, as on it so much of one's comfort depends. 

 Lightness being a great consideration, we must try to get 

 the greatest possible warmth with the least possible weight. 

 Blankets are heavy, and unless of extremely line quality, 

 do not give warmth in proportion to their weight. The 

 very best material I have been able to find is pure lamb's 

 wool carded into thick sheets, but not bleached or dyed; 

 quilts made of this, encased in a fine, smooth material, 

 make the very finest of bedding, and next to eider down 

 it is the lightest. It is well to remember that the same 

 amount of bedding is necessary beneath as above, for the 

 cold from the ground strikes upward with an unpleasant 

 chill that prevents sleep. Two thicknesses of the woollen 

 quilts should prove sufficient in any ordinary autumn 

 weather ; the efficacy of the quilts is materially increased 

 if they are made in bag form, the sides being sewn up 

 rather more than half-way, so as to allow of easy entrance. 

 A pillow may be carried, but I find my spare clothes put 

 into a pillow-case answers the purpose. A large bag of 

 strong waterproof canvas keeps out the dampness from the 

 spruce boughs and prevents the wind blowing through the 

 quilts. If this bag laces up one side it can be more 

 readily opened during warm weather. The canvas is 

 much better than rubber sheeting, as it is not so heavy 

 and is not nearly so likely to tear. Waterproof canvas 

 bags for all camp belongings are useful ; they stow well 

 in a canoe, and are easily handled if they have a strap on 

 one side and the end. The canvas should be mildew 

 proof, otherwise its life will be short. 



The tent problem is easily solved, and simply depends 

 on where and how you expect to travel. If on foot, you 

 must of necessity take the lightest available one. It need 



