CAMP. 89 



a tent, so that even in irregular ground the walls shall 

 always be smooth arid perpendicular. When the soil is 

 loose, the side and corner pins should be put in the 

 ground inclining to the tent, so that the pin and rope, 

 when fastened to it, shall form one continuous straight 

 line from the tent to the ground. If driven with an 

 inclination from the tent, as is common, the pulling and 

 jerking of the tent by the wind will almost surely loosen 

 the pins in the soil, and the tent may go over when least 

 expected. When much wind is anticipated, or the tent 

 peculiarly exposed, guy- ropes should be fastened to the 

 spike at the top of each upright tent-pole, and the other 

 ends securely pinned to the ground. These precautions 

 will, under almost all circumstances, enable the inmates 

 to sleep in safety and comfort. 



I once, however, had my whole tent split and blown 

 away, leaving the poles standing. The latter had been 

 firmly planted in the ground, and securely guyed with 

 double ropes front and back. I must admit, however, 

 that the tent had seen its best days, and deserved honour- 

 able retirement after long and faithful service. 



In the late fall and winter of the high plains there is 

 no longer any danger of waterspouts, or sudden rises 

 of the streams. Wind, cold, and fire are the only 

 enemies to be guarded against, but these are often amply 

 sufficient to test one's capacity and endurance. 



The camp should always at such seasons be nestled in 

 the deepest and cosiest nook, and protected when possible 

 by bluffs and thickets. 



One winter I went out from Fort Lyon with a party 

 of officers and soldiers, to procure game for the Christmas 

 holidays. The second day out was delightful, not only 

 the weather being perfect, but buffalo and antelope were 

 very abundant. There was a beautiful camping-place on 

 the bank of the Arkansas, but it was unprotected ; and, 

 true to my prudential instincts, I caused the waggons to 

 be drawn through deep sand and ensconced the party on 



