VIII 
THE DESERTS 
Deserts are usually large, barren, dry, hot in the daytime, 
cool at night, and relatively free from dangerous large animals. 
Being too large to walk out of easily, deserts force you to plan 
carefully and to conserve your strength and supplies to the ut- 
most. Being barren, deserts cannot be expected to supply you 
with vegetable food; you cannot count on any growing thing to 
eat. Being dry, deserts deplete rather than replenish your 
precious water supply. Being hot in the daytime, and cooler at 
night, deserts force you to lie quietly during the sunlight hours 
and to travel at night. Being fairly free of large dangerous 
animals, deserts relieve you of the necessity of carrying heavy 
weapons, which would otherwise add to your load. Be sure to 
keep light arms in case you are lucky enough to find birds or 
other small game. 
The two most important things to remember are : 
(1) Save your water supply. Do not swallow large mouthfuls 
but merely moisten your lips and throat with a small sip now 
and then. 
(2) Conserve your strength by staying quietly under cover dur- 
ing the heat of mid-day. Walk during the early evening, night, 
and early morning, when it is more comfortable and when you 
can avoid the risk of sunstroke or heat prostration and get along 
on less water. 
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