Camping and woodcraft - Scoutmastercg.com

2o6CA:\IPIiNG and WOODCRAFl'When transportation is easy it pays to pack tliebread, bags of flour, etc., in a tin wash-boiler oftwo, which are wrapped in burlaps and crated.These make capital grub boxes in camp, securingtheir contents from wet, insects and rodents. Antsin summer and mice at all times are downrightpests of the woods, to say nothing of the wily coon,the predatory mink, the inquisitive skunk, and thefretful porcupine. The boilers are useful, too, onmany occasions, to catch rain-water, boil clothes,waterproof and dye tents, and so forth. After allthese things have been done inthem they are properlyseasoned for cooking a burgoo.Camp chests are very convenient when it ispracticable to carry them. In fixed camp an oldtrunk will do ; but if you are traveling from placeto place, the boxes should be small, weighing notover fifty or sixty pounds each when packed, so thatone man can easily handle them unassisted. If theyare specially made, Cottonwood is the best material(if thoroughly seasoned boards can be had—otherwiseit warps abominably). It is the strongest andtoughest wood for its weight that we have, andwill not splinter. For the ends and lids of smallchests, ^-inch stuf¥ is thick enough, and ^-inchfor the sides, bottoms and trays. The bottomshould have a pair of ^/^-inch cleats for risers andthe top a similar pair to keep it from \A'arping, unlessthe chests are to go on pack animals. Straphingesand hasp, a brass padlock and broad leatherend-straps (not drop-handles) should be provided,and the chest painted.The best size is 24x18x9 inches, this beingconvenient for canoes and pack-saddles. A pinegrocery box of this size, with ^-inch ends and^-inch sides, top, and bottom, weighs only lOpounds, and will answer the purpose very well.Screw a wooden handle on each end, say 5x2inches, with a hand-hold gouged out of the underside