AWNINGS. 49 



SINGLE TENTS. 



Single tents may be best formed of the plated or corded 

 gum-elastic fabrics. They may also be made by pitching the 

 camp blanket, which is sometimes constructed with eyelets, 

 and a fly for this use, as represented in the plate, fig. ; about 

 one-third of the blanket being turned under, so as to form the 

 carpet or bottom of the tent. It is often very desirable to use 

 gum-elastic for sleeping on the ground, but on account of its 

 closeness, in dry and moderate weather, it is unsafe for one to 

 be wrapped in it closely. The use of caoutchouc for the single 



tent is without objection. 



TENT FLY. 



This might be properly termed an awning made with eyelets, 

 which is sometimes used in stormy weather, or hot sunshine, 

 over cloth or canvas tents, in the manner represented in the 

 plate. It may also be used with economy as a chaffing mat, or 

 a tent carpet. 



AWNINGS. 



Where the first cost of awnings is not a consideration, the 

 cheaper gum-elastic fabrics may be used advantageously, on 

 account of their durability and waterproof quality. Plated 

 linen musquito netting is most suitable among the different 

 fabrics for this purpose. 



