640 WOODCXAFT. 



as anywhere else ; and camp too in time to make himself comfort- 

 able for the night, when it is daylight, and everything is handy 

 around. Camp " tricks " should be kept in their places, not thrown 

 belter skelter, or left lying where last used, the common opinion 

 that order is opposed to easy comfort and freedom from care, to 

 the contrary notwithstanding. 



In sleepmg, but litde, if any, more bed clothing should be used 

 in camp than in a house ; too much cover has given many a city 

 fellow a cold, and disgusted him with sleeping out of doors. He 

 thinks that as be has no roof over his head, he ought have a 

 thousand blankets. In the middle of the night he gets into a per- 

 spiration, kicks off the cover, cools suddenly, and the next morn- 

 ing swears in a hoarse whisper that sleeping out of doors is a 

 humbug. No more cover should be used than- will keep the body 

 at a natural heat ; anything more is bad, even if not enough to 

 cause perceptible perspiration. 



In making up ypur party for a camp, it is of the first import- 

 ance to include only congenial minds and dispositions. No matter 

 how dear to you your friend is, or how warm his affection may be 

 fpr you, if your habits of thought and body are not under control, 

 the little things of camp life will be the fruitful causes of unhappi- 

 ness and discontent. The number of the party has of course to 

 be considered and the style of camp life, whether you do your own 

 work or employ help. One man who shirks, and " the best fellow 

 in the world " is often the man, will interfere sadly with your pleas- 

 ure. Men incUne in camp to couples. Three can seldom agree 

 long, for one is almost of necessity " left out in the cold." 



Xo party should attempt to camp out unless one at least of 

 their number is thoroughly conversant with woodcraft, and able to 

 devise and direct so as to secure the general comfort under all 

 changes of circumstances and vicissitudes of weather. One great 

 essential to thorough enjoyment is an equitable division of labor, 

 and a faithful observance of the duties assigned to each memlier. 

 This is especially important where no servants are employed. 

 Four persons constitute a large enough party. One should be a 

 fair cook ; another should be able to keep the camp supplied with 

 wood and make a fire, which is a task by no means easy ; a third 

 should be a fair shot and a good pot-fisherman, for a variety of 



