36 THE SPORTSMAN'S VADE-MECUM 



cannot stretch much, and the other straps at head and foot take in 

 all slack, over the cross pieces. No small tube is required for the 

 long side poles to fit into ; they will fit comfortably at each side of 

 the tube, as in (B 2). It will be noticed in the sketch that the 

 side poles are placed in the upper holes in the legs, and the cross 

 ones in the lower ; this should be insisted on for natives, as a rule, 

 do just the opposite, and the luckless sportsman has his head and 

 heels in the air, with his body in a bow between them, instead of 

 lying flat and level. A mistake cannot be made if the long poles 

 are invariably placed in the upper holes in the legs, and the cross 

 pieces in the lower (see sketch C). One often sits on the end of 



The Wrong Way The Right W 3 y. 



the bed, too, and this soon mates a great hollow, which is uncom- 

 fortable. By the plan recommended it occurs in a much less 

 degree ; besides which one is more off the ground, and small 

 boxes or bundles may be kept under the bed, out of the way. The 

 legs should be made with good big flat feet, as one often is en- 

 camped on soft and marshy soil. As a rule, they are made sharp 

 at the bottom the very place they should be blunt and flat. The 

 sides and ends should be made from light, stiff wood ; bamboo is 

 too springy. When taken to pieces, the bed is easily packed. The 

 long poles remain inside the canvas, the legs and ends being placed 

 close to one of them, and then the whole rolled up. Secure with a 

 couple of straps, or small pieces of rope, near each end. This bed- 

 stead and the six bamboos belonging to the two tents form one 

 loa 1 of about 501b. 



Bedding should be all woollen, except one resai (or cotton padded 

 quilt). There should be a couple of double blankets and the 

 " resai;" the whole rolled up in a Wolseley's waterproof valise. 

 The pillow of this valise will carry some of the clothes, such as a 

 pair of woollen drawers and socks (to sleep in) a clean shirt, a 

 pocket-handkerchief, pair of slippers or shoes, cardigan jacket, 

 towel and washing kit, brushes, needles, and thread. It straps up 

 well, and is most useful when camping out. At the Stores its 

 price is 1Z. 2s. 6d., but it may be made from good sail canvas for 

 about 10s., and will answer well. 



