Camping and woodcraft - Scoutmastercg.com

142 CAMPING AND WOODCR"AFTshould be loose in the leg,to permit free knee action.Full-length drawers are best because they protectthe knees against dirt and bruises, and safety-pinscan be used to hold up the socks (garters impedecirculation).Socks.— If trousers of full length are worn, thensocks are preferable to stockings; they bulk less,weigh less, cost less, and are easier to wash. Forforest travel, regardless of season, socks should beof soft wool, thick enough to cushion the feet andabsorb moisture, and not closely knit but of ratheropen texture. But for open country, in hot sunnyweather, cotton is better, because wool " draws " thefeet at such times. On an all-day hike it pays tochange to a fresh pair at noon.The fit of socks is very important. If too loose,they wrinkle and chafe the feet; if too small, theyare unendurable. To prevent woolen ones fromshrinking is not difficult. Every night, or every timeyou come in with wet feet, remove your socks, puton fresh ones (having bathed the feet, of course),and put those you have worn to soak in a runningstream ; then draw them through the hand to squeezeout water, do not wring, but pull them gently intoshape, and hang up to dry. On a long trip youwill find means, now and then, to soak them in tepidsuds, as they do not require a large vessel.Take along enough socks so that when a pairgets " more holey than righteous " you can throwthem away. Darned socks cause blisters, especiallywhen a man does the darning.OvERSHiRTS.— For Summer wear the U. S. A.chambray shirt is as good as any. It is durable,does not fade, and shows dirt and perspiration stainsless than khaki or common outing shirts. Armyshirts have two roomy Stanley pockets with buttonedflaps. These are just right for pipe and tobacco,note-book and pencil, or whatever you want handyat all times without crowding the trousers pockets.Later in the season, or for a cool climate, the