Camping and woodcraft - Scoutmastercg.com

PROVISIONS 197Pitted dates are best for light outfits. And do notdespise the humble prune ; buy the best grade in themarket (unknown to landladies) and soak overnightbefore stewing; it will be a revelation. Take a varietyof dried fruits, and mix them in different combinations,sweet and tart, so as not to have the samesauce twice in succession; then you w^ill learn thatdried fruits are by no means a poor substitute forfresh or canned ones.In hot weather I carry a few lemons wheneverpracticable. Limes are more compact and bettermedicinally, but they do not keep well. Lime juicein bottles is excellent, if you can carry it.Citric acid crystals may be used in lieu of lemonswhen going light, but the flavor is not so good asthat of lemonade powder that one can put up forhimself. The process is described by A. W. Barnard:''Squeeze out the lemons and sift into theclear juice four to six spoonfuls of sugar to a lemon;let stand a few days if the weather is dry, or aweek if wet, till it is dried up, then pulverize andput up into capsules." Gelatin capsules of any size,from i-oz. down, can be procured at a drugstore.They are convenient to carry small quantities ofspices, flavorings, medicines, etc., on a hike.Vinegar and pickles are suitable only for fixedcamps or easy cruises.Fritures.— Lard is less wholesome than oliveoil, or *' Crisco," or the other preparations of vegetablefat. Crisco can be heated to a higher temperaturethan lard without burning,thus ensuring the"surprise" (see Chapter XVI), which preventsgetting a fried article sodden with grease ; it doesas wxU as lard for shortening; and it can be usedrepeatedly without transmitting the flavor of onedish to the next one. Olive oil is superior as afriture, especially for fish, but expensive.Beverages.—^The best coffee can only be madefrom freshly roasted berries. Have it roasted andground the day before you start, and put up in