Camping and woodcraft - Scoutmastercg.com

212 CAMPING AND WOODCRAFTbonate of potassium. The effect was marvellous. So soonas the horrible soup came to the boil, the impurities coag'ulated, and after keeping it at boiling temperature forabout half an hour, it was removed from the fire, thecinders skimmed out, and the water allowed to settle, whichit did very quickly. It was then decanted off into anordinary prospector's pan, and some used to make tea (theflavor of which can be better imagined than described);the remainder was allowed to stand all night, a few piecesof charcoal being added. In the morning it was bright,clear, and absolutely sweet."Filters are not to be depended upon to purifywater. At best they only clarify ; they do not sterilizeit. A filter, to be of any use, must be cleanedout every da}^ or two, and the sand forming the upperlayer must be thoroughly washed or replaced;otherwise the filter itself becomes a breeding-placefor germs.To Cool Water,— Travelers in arid regions carrywater bags of heavy canvas or linen duck. These,when filled, constantly ** sweat " or exude enoughmoisture to cool the contents of the bag by evaporation.Wet canteens do the same. A covered pailor other vessel can be used: wrap cloths around it,keep them wet, and hang in a current of air.Fuel.— In summer camping little firewood isused, but in cold weather an abundance is required.Some kinds of wood make fine fires, others are poorfuel or worthless: they are classified in the nextchapter. In any case there should be plenty ofsound dead wood to cook with.When traveling with a team where fuel is scarce,make a practice of tossing into the wagon any goodchunks that you may find along the road.Tent Ground.—Avoid low ground. Seek anopen spot that is level enough for the purpose, butone that has good natural drainage. Wherever youmay be, pitch your tent on a rise or slight slope insteadof in a depression where water will gatherif it rains. Don't trust a fair sky.If you camp on the bank of a stream, be sure to