CAMP COOKING. 87 



fail. However, it is well to have one horse in the party ; 

 the mules, from some unaccountable reason, will become at- 

 tached to a horse that they are permitted to associate with. 

 This is quite convenient, as when in camp all that is neces- 

 tary to keep the mules in the vicinity is to hobble the horse 

 by strapping his fore feet together about seventeen or 

 eighteen inches apart. A regular hobble is a short piece of 

 chain, a ring at each end; also straps and buckles. Buckle 

 a strap around each fore leg, between hoof and fetlock, the 

 chain connecting the two; the horse will soon learn to get 

 around sufficient to procure all the food necessary. Don't 

 be uneasy abeut the mules, they will under no circum- 

 stance leave the horse very far. It is not necessary to 

 carry feed for the animals; if camps are properly selected 

 there will always be quite sufficient grass and browse for any 

 number of animals, turned loose as directed. 



There are many advantages in this way of traveling, 

 probably the most important is the perfect freedom and inde- 

 pendence, go where and when you please, and not necess- 

 arily confined to trails or roads, but can make excursions to 

 unfrequented points of interest that would be absolutely im- 

 possible to reach in any other way. It is the only satisfactory 

 way to do the National Park. Of course, progress is slower, 

 but much more satisfactory; besides, time spent in mountain 

 excursions, like the chase, "is not counted in the length of 

 life." This is another case where a man should not begrudge 

 the time. From twelve to fifteen miles a day is all that 

 should be required of a full-laden pack animal; this distance 

 can be made in from four to six hours easily. If only about 

 this distance is habitually traveled the animals soon under- 

 stand it and will endeavor to make the distance in the least 

 possible time; they will require no urging. But, on the 

 contrary, if irregularity is practiced as to distance and num- 

 ber of hours on the road, the animals will become indiffer- 



