Camping and woodcraft - Scoutmastercg.com

256 CAMPING AND WOODCRAFTlearned friend Professor Comstock, live, " underthe bark of decaying branches, under fallen leaves,and in sap flowing from wounded trees."With all due deference to this distinguishedentomologist, I must aver that they don't live therewhen I am around; they seem particularly fond ofsap flowing from wounded fishermen. Dope willkeep them from biting you, but it won't keep themout of your eyes. Punkies are particularly annoyingabout sunset. They seem to know just whenand where you will be cleaning the day's catch oftrout, and that you will then be completely at theirmercy. At such times you will agree that they beatall creation for pure, downright cussedness. Oil ofcitronella will protect your face and neck, but youcan't have it on your hands when cleaning the fish,Punkies can't stand a smudge.Insects in Camp.— The common house-fly,which, as Dr. Howard suggests, should be calledthe typhoid-fly, is often a great nuisance in camps.Screening of tents and of food supplies is the onlysure remedy. Burning insect powder (pyrethrum)will drive them out of a tent or cottage,also a good way to get ridand that isof the wood cockroachesthat sometimes are attracted by the lights of thecamp and proceed to make themselves offensively athome.Sometime you may elect to occupy an abandonedlumber camp while on an outing. My adviceis, pass it by : not all its inhabitants have movedaway. Any shack in the woods may harbor bedbugs.If you must use such a place, don't forgetthe kerosene can.If ants are troublesome about camp, try to findthe nest by following the workers; then pour keroseneor boiling water into it. Red pepper or oil ofsassafras sprinkled about may discourage them, butrepellent substances are not to be depended upon.Kerosene is the sovereign remedy.Smudges.— A good smudge is raised by usingcedar ''cigars," made as follows*. Take long