toward the back in the shape 

 of a reflector. I have spent months In the wilder- 

 ness with nothing but a fly for sheher; and to my 

 mind no time is pleasanter than the evening hours, 

 when, talking with your companions, you lie back 

 on the bough beds and watch the sparks from the 

 balsam fire drift off into the night. 



The fly is only useful where wood is abundant, 

 and in sparsely wooded country, such as the Behring 

 Sea coast, a tent and stove are necessary. The fly 

 takes up very little space, and can be rolled up to 

 suit any pack. 



Men in the wilderness have used flies suc- 

 cessfully in making boats when caught without c 

 food, or crossing rivers in flood time 



FIRES 



A poor fire, made from punky, 

 damp wood carelessly thrown 

 together, is, besides being a strain on the temper, a 

 source of possible serious trouble. A fire made 

 like a pile of jackstraws is apt to collapse at any 

 minute, and precipitate pots, pans, and food into 

 the flames. Besides, it is a waste of wood. 



The first things needed in the making of a good 

 fire are fire-dogs. To have your wood burn 

 clearly and evenly, and give out the greatest amount 

 of heat, you must have it raised from the ground. 

 Fire-dogs made of rocks, or pieces of green wood, 

 are easily obtained, and simplify camp cooking. 

 85 



