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 The first and most important thing in camping in the open, is the tent. There are many concerns in the United States which make a business of supplying hunters with proper outfits and it is well to consult these people, for they have made a special study of the subject.

There are any number of tents, large and small, but it is always well to have one with a double roof or “shelter” over it. This keeps the tent cool, and gives extra protection during rain storms. Never put in tent pegs leaning away from the tent; always have the head of the tent peg leaning towards the tent. If it should come to rain, and the ropes shrink, there will then be some “give,” otherwise the shrinkage will either break the pegs, or tear the side of the tent out. Remember that new ropes and canvas shrink quite a little, so do not set the tent up too rigid at first. Fixing a failing tent at night in a rainstorm is no joke. Then look to the ground. Always pitch your tent on rising ground when possible, and dig a small trench on the higher sides, otherwise you will have a little river flowing under your canvas.

You can buy cooking and eating outfits for almost any price, depending on size and quality. Carry as little glass as possible; tin or enamel plates are best. Also compact folding knives, forks and spoons are good to carry. Very neat folding candle lamps are made, but take the ones with mica sides, in preference to glass. Candles must be kept in a cool place, as they melt at a low temperature.

Don’t forget to take along a good compass, and don’t store it near the knives and forks or guns or anything steel, otherwise it will be thrown out. Remember if you get lost that you can always find your position roughly in this way. Point the hour hand of your watch to the sun, and twelve o’clock on the dial will be due south.

As to clothes, you will need good strong, soft-collared shirts and leggings. These two are most important. As to waterproofs, the army “poncho” is the best thing. This is simply a sheet of rubber cloth about seven feet long by five feet wide. There is a slit in the middle through which the head is put. This hangs down over the shoulders and leaves the arms free; a most comfortable and serviceable thing to have. When not in use, the blankets should be wrapped up in it.

Building a fire is quite a trick. Get two logs or stones and lay them a few feet apart. Start your fire with leaves, or dry paper and small twigs. Do not hurry a fire, but coax it to burn. Lay the logs in the right position to the wind, so that the draft goes between the logs or stones. Don’t get the fire too close to the tent and stores. Also put in your kit a little whisky or