292 Srrone, An Observation Tent. ae 
to each side. The strips were sewed together with the seams 
parallel to the ground as may be seen in Fig. 2. When complete, 
the tent made a huge four cornered sack with two sides not sewed 
together half way from the bottom to the roof in order to provide 
an entrance, (see Fig. 2). 
All of the seams were sewed twice, and the edges of all openings 
were hemmed. Tapes were sewed to the edges of the entrance 
for closing it. A deep hem was made at the bottom to hold bamboo 
anchoring poles which also served to hold the cloth in position. 
Openings were made in convenient positions for observation and 
camera work as may be seen in Fig. 2. These are closed by 
cloth doors which are fastened on the inside by hooks and eyes of 
the largest size. There is also an opening about six inches square, 
in the roof near one end, for ventilation. The whole outfit is 
packed into a long narrow box of suitable size and strength for 
transportation. 
When the tent is to be set up, a site is chosen carefully with 
relation to the position of the sun at various times of the day, the 
direction of the wind, and of course the material to be studied 
The roof poles are first inserted in the corner sockets and then the 
uprights. After the frame is properly erected, the tent is slipped 
over it. A certain amount of latitude in locating the lower ends 
of the upright poles is permitted, and they are spread until the cloth 
is taut. The bottom anchoring poles are inserted and are anchored 
at their protruding ends with stakes or with rocks where stakes 
cannot be used. I have often used drift wood on a beach, instead 
of rocks. 
After all outside work is done, I go inside with my equipment, 
i. €. cameras, etc., and arrange the interior. Even though a strong 
wind may not occur at the time, one may arise before the day’s 
work is done, and it is wise to be prepared for a possible heavy 
strain upon the light tent frame, so reinforcing lines are arranged. 
Strong twine (shade cloth is good) must be used, and three lines 
are kept permanently tied to each corner piece. These lines are 
stretched under tension diagonally to screw eyes on the upright 
poles, so that they lie close to the cloth and do not cross any ob- 
servation openings. One runs diagonally across the roof to the 
opposite corner piece. If the tension of all the lines is sufficient, 
