THE PLAINS. 



CHAPTER VI. 



CAMP. 



THE three essentials of a good camp are wood, water, 

 and grass ; and, these being present, it would seem a per- 

 fectly simple matter to select the proper position. 



On this selection, however, depends in a very great 

 degree the pleasure and comfort of a trip on the plains. 

 The most serious mishaps of plains life occur while in 

 camp ; and it requires not only a good eye, but a know- 

 ledge of the mishaps to which plains life is subject, to se- 

 lect such a position as is least likely to be affected by them. 



Suppose, then, a party has arrived at a stream well 

 wooded, and with plenty of grass. Almost any of a 

 hundred positions might be good under ordinary circum- 

 stances ; but the object and duty of the leader is to select 

 that one position which will be best under any of the 

 extraordinary events which may happen. If it is a mere 

 pleasure trip, and the passage of the stream be of no 

 consequence, the relative advantages of every position 

 within reach on either side may be considered ; but if the 

 journey is to be continued beyond the stream next day, 

 he is restricted in the choice of positions to the farther 

 bank, for if not crossed it may rise in the night, and delay 

 him for several days. 



The next point is that the animals shall have a grazing 

 ground, w r here each and every one can be at all times 

 under the eyes of the guards and herders, and where it 

 would be most difficult for Indian or white thieves suc- 

 cessfully to stampede and run them off. 



