Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 89.djvu/129

 Camp Fire Maxims ^^|

BvH. S. Rinker

���To build a fire, whittle a stick, leaving the shavings projecting on its sides, the ground and build up small sticks around it; then ignite

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��CLEAR a place for the fire, so that it cannot spread. One of the best ways is to dig a ring around it, so that damp earth interrupts the dry grass or dead leaves which may be present.

See that the flame will not scorch trees. Never throw away a match — not even a burnt one or a wet one. When you have used a match, pinch out the glow with your fingers, and stick it into the ground, burnt end down. Millions of dollars have gone up in smoke for lack of this simple precaution.

If a match is wet, rub the match head through your hair for a few seconds, and it will almost invariably light when struck. Keep matches in a metal box, with a water-proof lid.

Remember that birch-bark or dry pine-needles are fine kindling.

Remember that a small lens will start a big fire if the sun is shining.

To start a fire in dry weather, whittle a dry stick so that the shavings

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��stand out at an angle, but do not cut them off. Stick this kindling in the ground. Build up, tepee fashion, other small dry sticks around it. Put some dry pine-needles, birch-bark, or paper at the base of the stick, and touch it off. It starts quickly.

To Start a Fire in Wet Weather Locate a sheltered spot. If that is not possible, find an old log, a flat stone or a decayed stump. Roll the log half over. This exposes the dr^- side. Build your fire against this or against a flat stone, propping up one edge and build- ing the fire under it. Or gouge out a rotten stump and build the fire in the cavity.

The powder from a cartridge cut open and emptied will help, especially if slightly dampened.

Always stamp out, drown out, or bury your fire before leaving camp. Never forget to do this.

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