Camping and woodcraft - Scoutmastercg.com

i5oCAMPING AND WOODCRAFTThe strength of solution to be used depends uponclimate. For a hot, rainy climate, use four ouncesof lanolin to a gallon of benzine ; for average conditionsin the temperate zone, three ounces to the gallon; for cold climate, or winter use exclusively, twoounces to the gallon, as cold has a tendency to stiffencloth that has been steeped in a strong solution.The three-ounce formula is right for blankets.If trouble is experienced in making a solution oflanolin, dissolve it first in a little chloroform, thenpour into the benzine.Footwear.— It is a truism that " a soldier is nobetter than his feet." Neither is anybody else whohas much walking to do. Such shoes as we wear intown are wholly unfit for the field. They are toolight, too short, and too narrow. We do little walkingin town, and none that we do is over roughground. We carry no burdens on our backs. Sothe " snug fit " is tolerated, and the thin socks.On the trail it is different. One must have freeplay for his toes, or his feet will be cramped andblistered within a few hours — then misery! Inmarching with a pack, one's foot lengthens abouthalf an inch every time his weight is thrown on it,and broadens nearly as much. And after hikingsome distance the feet begin to swell.The only way to insure a good fit is to put onthick socks, pick up a weight equal to the load youare to carry, slip a tape-measure under the sole, thenthrow your whole weight on that foot, and havesomeone do the measuring. Then the other footsimilarly ; for in many cases the two differ. Havethe shoe made a half inch longer than the foot measurement,and wide enough to give a snug but easyfit over the ball when poised as above. Around theheel it should be snug enough to prevent slipping andchafing. These are the army rules, and they areright for anyone who marches and has equipment tocarry.When starting afield, lace the shoes rather tightly