208 HINTS ON TRAVELLING AND CAMP EQUIPMENT. 



After trying many different kinds I have at last adopted what I consider to be the 

 best adapted to all circumstances, as it combines lightness, simplicity, portability and 

 strength, with the additional advantage of economizing room in a tent. 



It is a combination of travelling trunks and a stretcher, and is constructed as 

 follows : — 



The ends are composed of two strong square leather trunks or boxes known as 

 ' yek-ddnsl to the corners of which are fixed iron sockets for the reception of four iron 

 stanchions, which support the ends of the stretcher. The stanchions on one side are square- 

 on the other round. 



The stretcher consists of two bars of tough wood connected by strong canvas, which 

 is firmly nailed to the bars along their entire length, with the exception of the ends which 

 fit into the stanchions. 



The length of the stretcher must of course depend upon the height of the person for 

 whom it is intended : the width must be exactly equal to the distance between the stanchions. 



The two ' yek-ddns ' having been placed back to back at a proper interval, the ends 

 of the stretcher bars (which are round in one bar, and square in the other) are dropped 

 into their respective places ; the square bar of course remaining fixed in its square stan- 

 chions, while the round one readily revolves. The bed is now nearly complete, but however 

 tightly stretched at first, it would be found that the canvas would become slack with use. 

 To remedy this defect two strong iron eyes or ' dees ' are fixed to the centre of the round 

 bar, which is cut square for three or four inches in the middle. Through these eyes a tough 

 but light wooden lever is passed, the lower end or point of the lever being furnished with 

 a short strap and buckle firmly secured to it. 



A strong leather strap is looped round the centre of the square bar, and, passing under 

 the bed, is connected with the buckle at the end of the lever. According as this is tightened 

 or loosened, so is the tension on the canvas increased or diminished. 



Two small iron uprights fitting into sockets in the corners of the ' yek-ddn ' forming 

 the head part of the bed, and connected by a belt of canvas, prevent pillows from falling 

 off, and complete what I have found to be an extremely comfortable and very strong bed. 



It is difficult to describe such a contrivance clearly, but I trust that by reference to 

 the photograph, what I have written may become intelligible. 



A combined valise and ground sheet of strong canvas lined with waterproof is a 

 convenient arrangement ; as not only can bedding and many odds and ends be rolled up 

 in it but it forms a dry and serviceable bed when one is obliged to sleep on the ground. 



The best sort of waterproof sheet which I know is that in which a wafer-like layer 

 of cork is inserted between two layers of waterproofing : these sheets are generally lined 

 with a tartan stuff, and those that I have seen measure six feet by three and a half. 



Taking one of these sheets as the basis of my valise bed, I had the outer side covered 

 with strong canvas, and a strip of the same material half the width of the waterproof sheet 



