Camping and woodcraft - Scoutmastercg.com

152 CAMPING AND WOODCRAFTcause for Investigation as to the efficiency of thatofficer."To break In a new pair of shoes the soldier standsin about three Inches of water for five minutes, thengoes for a walk on level ground. When the shoesare not in use, care Is taken that they shall not bepacked away tightly or otherwise compressed out ofthe true shape that the breaking In gave them.At night the shoes are dried by hanging them upsidedown on stakes before the fire — not too close,for wet leather " burns " easily. Or, fill a frjangpan with clean pebbles, heat them (not too hot) overthe fire, put them in the shoes, and shake themFig. 97-—U. S. Army ShoeFig. 98.—Sole of ArmyShoe, ShowingProper Methodof PlacingHobnailsaround after a while. Before the shoes are quitedry, rub just a little ncatsfoot oil into them. Theremaining dampness prevents the oil from strikingclear through, but helps it to penetrate on the outside,as the oil follows the retreating water.The army shoe has a single sole ; so it is flexible —a prime desideratum for good walking. The heel islow, broad, and longer than usual, giving firm footingand having less tendency to ** run down " thanthe common pattern of heel. The tongue is loose,