Camp Fire Maxims ^^| 



BvH. S. Rinker 



To build a fire, whittle a stick, leaving the shavings projecting on its sides, 

 the ground and build up small sticks around it; then ignite 



Push into 



CLEAR a place for the fire, so that it 

 cannot spread. One of the best 

 ways is to dig a ring around it, so 

 that damp earth interrupts the dry grass 

 or dead leaves which may be present. 



See that the flame will not scorch 

 trees. Never throw away a match — not 

 even a burnt one or a wet one. When 

 you have used a match, pinch out the 

 glow with your fingers, and stick it into 

 the ground, burnt end down. Millions 

 of dollars have gone up in smoke for 

 lack of this simple precaution. 



If a match is wet, rub the match head 

 through your hair for a few seconds, 

 and it will almost invariably light when 

 struck. Keep matches in a metal box, 

 with a water-proof lid. 



Remember that birch-bark or dry 

 pine-needles are fine kindling. 



Remember that a small lens will start 

 a big fire if the sun is shining. 



To start a fire in dry weather, 

 whittle a dry stick so that the shavings 



115 



stand out at an angle, but do not cut 

 them off. Stick this kindling in the 

 ground. Build up, tepee fashion, other 

 small dry sticks around it. Put some 

 dry pine-needles, birch-bark, or paper 

 at the base of the stick, and touch it 

 off. It starts quickly. 



To Start a Fire in Wet Weather 

 Locate a sheltered spot. If that is 

 not possible, find an old log, a flat stone 

 or a decayed stump. Roll the log half 

 over. This exposes the dr^- side. Build 

 your fire against this or against a flat 

 stone, propping up one edge and build- 

 ing the fire under it. Or gouge out a 

 rotten stump and build the fire in the 

 cavity. 



The powder from a cartridge cut 

 open and emptied will help, especially 

 if slightly dampened. 



Always stamp out, drown out, or 

 bury your fire before leaving camp. 

 Never forget to do this. 



