174 NEWFOUNDLAND CARIBOU 



not necessarily be very small, but the material must be 

 thin and of the best. I use a sea island cotton, not much 

 thicker than light shirting, it is very closely woven, mildew 

 proof, very strong and light, and absolutely watertight ; 

 far better than the so-called " silk," or any of the materials 

 filled with paraffin or similar dressings — these add to the 

 weight, are dangerously inflammable, and in cold weather 

 stiffen so that they are difficult to roll. In preference to 

 this material I prefer the ordinary unbleached muslin or 

 calico. The pattern of tent does not matter so very 

 much, the great importance is to have one that can be 

 easily and quickly pitched. If you camp in the mountains 

 it must be low, as long poles will not always be available, 

 and the high winds will not have so much effect on it. 

 During the summer, one can manage without any tent, as 

 birch or spruce bark can be easily peeled and a lean-to 

 made in a very short time. A light portable stove adds 

 much to one's comfort in cold weather, being especially 

 useful for drying clothes. If one is carried it is well to 

 see that a proper insulation ring is put in the roof for 

 the pipe to pass through. I cannot speak with much 

 experience on this subject, as I have only once used 

 a stove, and even in the coldest weather, when the 

 temperature has been twenty-five degrees below zero, I 

 have managed to get along without one, though not 

 without some discomfort it must be confessed. Cooking 

 utensils may be either of tin or aluminium; they should 

 nest together as compactly as possible, so as to be 

 portable. Enamel ware is frightfully heavy and does not 

 stand the knocking about which it would receive, but I 

 do like my cup and plate of this material. An aluminium 

 cup gets so hot that one cannot drink out of it, while a plate 

 made of this metal does not help to keep the food hot. 



