76 SPORTSMAN'S HAND BOOK. 



mattresses they make a very cold bed. The ground is much 

 better. First With a hatchet cut off the stubs and roots 

 and level the ground; then, for outlines for the beds, double 

 or single, use poles at least six inches in diameter one on 

 each side the full length of the bed; also one across at the 

 head and one at the foot, then fill up the inside with small 

 pine or spruce boughs; straw is better, if accessible. When 

 using boughs, commence at the foot/with a course across 

 eight or ten inches deep, then gradually shingle up to the 

 head, keeping up the thickness; if properly done only the 

 tip ends of the boughs will show, and if plenty is used the 

 bed will be equal to a spring mattress; if on the ground, it 

 will be quite warm, with a limited amount of blankets. 



Hunting and fishing parties, usually in their eagerness 

 to get to hunting or fishing, are apt to neglect the comforts 

 of the camp; don't make this mistake. First, of all, put 

 your camp in order that full enjoyment of the expedition 

 may be realized, for you are just as apt to get game in sight 

 of camp, in a game country, as by an all-day tramp in the 

 woods. There is an old saying with the hunters, that the 

 man that keeps camp usually kills the most game. 



