THE ANGLER'S CAMP 253 



clear, pour first the alum solution and then the lead 

 water together into another vessel. Allow this to 

 stand for several hours to deposit sediment, then 

 pour off the clear liquid say into the washtub. Soak 

 and knead the fabric in this, let it stand an hour or 

 two, rinse in clear water, and hang out in the air 

 to dry, without wringing. This makes not only a 

 pretty effective waterproofing but mildew-proofs the 

 cloth, and to no little extent renders it spark proof. 



The weight of the tent material without the 

 ground-cloth is a little over five pounds. 



From past experience the writer holds strong con- 

 victions that the stretcher form of bed is at once the 

 most generally practical and comfortable for camp- 

 ing, so he decided to incorporate stretcher-bed ac- 

 commodations for two in the ground-cloth, which is 

 sewed to the bottom edges of the tent all the way 

 around. (Yes, madam, this will keep out wriggly 

 and crawly things.) Also he decided to provide 

 flaps for these beds, to hold the blankets in place. 

 Furthermore, the tent-bottom, in addition to thus 

 serving as combined ground-cloth, stretcher-beds, 

 and sleeping-bags, also was to be the waterproof 

 cover for the whole outfit, when packed; and could 

 be utilized as a packsack in which to carry additional 

 duffle, as a hatchet or small ax, folding reflector- 

 baker, an army intrenching-tool or a miniature 

 shovel; and last but not least, a half-dozen old news- 

 papers. All this, and in addition two single five- 



