Camping and woodcraft - Scoutmastercg.com

1. Pure water.CAMP MAKING 2092. Wood that burns well. In cold weather thereshould be either an abundance of sound downwoodor some standing hardwood trees that are not toobig for easy felling.3. An open spot, level enough for the tent andcampfire, but elevated above its surroundings soas to have good natural drainage. It must be wellabove any chance overflow from the sudden riseof a neighboring stream. Observe the previousflood marks.4. Grass or browse for the horses (if there areany) and bedding for the men.5. Straight poles for the tent, or trees convenientfor attaching the ridge rope.6. Security against the spread of fire.7. Exposure to direct sunlight during a part ofthe day, especially during the early morning hours.8. In summer, exposure to whatever breezes mayblow^; in cold weather, protection against the prevailingwind.9. Privacy.Water, wood, and good drainage may be allyouneed for a " one-night stand," but the other points,too, should be considered when selecting the sitefixed camp.foraWater.— Be particularly careful about thdpurity of your water supply.You come, let us say,to a mountain brook, that issues from thick forest.It ripples over clean rocks, it bubbles with air, it isclear as crystal, and cool to your thirsty throat.*'Surely that is good water." But do you knowwhere it comes from? Every mountain cabin isbuilt close to a spring-branch. Somewhere up thatbrook there may be a clearing; in that clearing, ahouse ; in that house, a case of dysentery or typhoidfever. I have known several cases of infection fron>just such a source. It is not true that running wate/purifiesitself.When one must use well-water let him note the