SCOUTING FOR GIRLS 
357 
hydrates. Fruit acid (that of prunes, dried apricots, 
and dehydrated cranberries, when fresh fruit cannot be 
carried) is a good corrective of a too fatty and starchy 
or sugary diet, and a preventive of scurvy. Most fruits 
are laxative, and for that reason, if none other, a good 
proportion of dried fruit should be included in the 
ration, no matter how light one travels ; otherwise one 
is likely to suffer from constipation when he changes 
from ‘town grub’ to ‘trail grub/ 
“Among canned fruits those that go farthest are pine- 
apples and blackberries. Excellent jelly can be made 
in camp from dried apples. 
“There is much nourishment in dates, figs (those dried 
round are better than layer figs) and raisins. Pitted 
dates and seedless raisins are best for light outfits. And 
do not despise the humble prune; buy the best grade in 
the market (unknown to landladies) and soak over night 
before stewing; it will be a revelation. Take a variety 
of dried fruits, and mix them in different combinations, 
sweet and tart, so as not to have the same sauce twice 
in succession; then you will learn that dried fruits are 
by no means a poor substitute for fresh or canned ones. 
“In hot weather I carry a few lemons whenever prac- 
ticable. Limes are more compact and better medicinally, 
but they do not keep well. Lime juice in bottles is ex- 
cellent, if you can carry it. 
“Citric acid crystals may be used in lieu of lemons 
when going light, but the flavor is not so good as that 
of lemonade powder that one can put up for himself. 
The process is described by A. W. Barnard: ‘Squeeze 
out the lemons and sift into the clear juice four to six 
spoonfuls of sugar to a lemon; let stand a few days if 
the weather is dry, or a week if wet, till it is dried up, 
then pulverize and put up into capsules/ Gelatin cap- 
sules of any size, from one oz. down, can be procured 
