Camping and woodcraft - Scoutmastercg.com

CONCENTRATED FOODS 171the emergency ration in two, or even three, separatepackages, each containing only such articles as willnot taint nor steal flavor from the others. This suggestionismade for rations to be carried in stock byoutfitters, which are likely to be kept a good^ whilein storage.But when a camper puts up emergency grub forhimself, there is a better way. Raisins, pinole, andthe like,are best carried in little bags of thin paraffinedcloth (the "balloon silk" of tent makers), tiedlow enough so that the top can be doubled overand tied again, making a water-tight package, verylight, and soft enough to go into one's pocket, oran>^vhere. Chocolate (which I don't carry in hotweather) usually comes w^rapped in tin-foil, and enclosedin paper. You will need salt, in a waterpioof bag or a bamboo tube, to season such gameor fish as you may get.If you carry anything in which water can beboiled, put a dozen tabloids of tea in the ration^leave out chocolate and substitute sugar. A hot cupof sweetened tea Is one of the best hearteners thatbark that will peel.I know of, and the tabloid tea sold by outfitters ispretty good. But what vessel to boil In? Watercan be boiled in a bark cup, as I shall show hereafter;but maybe you can't findA practical outdoorsman, C. L. Oilman, suggeststhat the emergency food be packed In a half-poundcocoa can, which is of handy shape for the pocket,seamed water-tight without solder, holds a pint,and has a cover that fits over the outside. Punchtwo holes near top edge of can, and make a removablewire bail that will stow inside. Steam escapetthrough bail holes when cover Is on. Thus yourgrub has a light tin container that is good for somethingwhen It Is opened.For myself, I would fill that little kettle withpinole, sugar, tea, and salt, In "pokes," and wouldcarry some raisins separately. One advantage ofpinole, aside from those already mentioned, is thatit is not, like chocolate and raisins, a confection