LIVING OFF THE COUNTRY 



The food that one arrives with should be divided into portions 

 so that the longest possible survival is planned. Roughly, this 

 may be figured by dividing a hormal daily ration into four parts. 

 This w^ill add up to 800 to 1,200 calories. This ration may be 

 supplemented by shell-fish, fish, birds, mammals, and plants that 

 can be hunted in the area. Polar bear liver and a mushroom-like 

 plant with a yellowish red cap are the only things that are truly 

 poisonous. 



The smaller mammals, such as lemmings, rabbits, and porcu- 

 pines may be taken in snares. Musk oxen, caribou, seals, and 

 polar bear may be shot with a rifle. Ducks, ptarmigan, geese, 

 ravens, and owls are also to be found. 



Shellfish may be dug on most shorelines or in shallow water. 



When using plants, it must be remembered that the roots and 

 inner bark will supply nourishment. Except for berries, all 

 plants should be cooked. 



If an animal or bird is caught, everything should be eaten — fat, 

 liver, kidneys, etc. — along with the flesh. (See Polar Guide, ch. 

 18, pp. 23 to 39 inclusive.) 



EMERGENCY RATIONS 



Emergency rations are unfortunately limited by weight restric- 

 tions. The exact ration used will depend on the weight allotted 

 for the purpose, anticipated survival period, and activity expected. 



It is known that as low as 400 calories daily will keep a man alive 

 for 10 days, the extra caloric requirement being made up from 

 one's tissue. One thousand calories daily are sufficient for 20 

 days, and 2,000 calories are adequate for an indefinite period if 

 there is no activity. 



Weight requirements per man using a concentrated ration are 

 roughly as follows: 400 calorie diet — 0.31 Ib./day; 1,000 calorie 

 diet— 0.77 Ib./day; 2,000 calorie diet— 1.38 Ib./day. 



Water will have to be supplied in quantities of one to two 

 quarts, depending on the calories ingested, and the emergency 

 ration unit should include, if possible, both the gasoline and the 

 stove for resupplying water. 



It is easily seen that no emergency ration may be devised that 

 will keep personnel at more than a subsistence level. Any attempt 

 to leave the site of original emergency is probably foolish, for it 

 takes three to five thousand calories daily to travel in the North. 

 In addition, it is obvious that every means to supplement one's 



189 



