PREFACE. 



THE material of which this book is largely 

 composed is from notes and manuscripts 

 which Mr. Prouty had been preparing during 

 the last few years of his life, suggested by 

 his experience in camp-life and active busi- 

 ness pursuits, with the intention of presenting 

 them to the public when the proper occasion 

 should come. Hence, in the compilation, 

 the book is not expected to be so complete as 

 it would have been could he have lived long 

 enough to have had the arrangement himself, 

 and have added more of his own practical ex- 

 perience and suggestions. 



Mr. Prouty was born in Boston in 1839, 

 removed to Dorchester in 1841, and, passing 

 through the Grammar School, graduated at 

 Chauncy Hall School, in Boston. 



