Camping and woodcraft - Scoutmastercg.com

2i» CAMMING AND WOODCRAFTthatching, and branches from nearby small treestas may be needed to make your den wind-proof(Fig. 55). This will be little protection, however,against rain, as the angle of the ridge is not steepenough, unless the tree be cut higher.Where no tree grows on a favorable place, onecan erect very quickly a tripod of poles (Fig. 56)secured at the apex by interlocking forks, or bytying. No triangular framework, however, issatisfactory for more than one occupant, because, ifthere be two or more of you, the den must be madeso deep that the angle farthest from the fire is sureto be cold and dismal. The tripod frame is impiovedby tying one end of a pole to each leg of theshears, about two-thirds of the way to the top, andletting the other end rest on the ground, so that therear of the shelter will be nearer a semi-circle thana triangle.This is what I call a "straddle-bug" frame (seedotted lines in Fig. 56). It is economical of timeand material, as it takes but five sticks. It is a particularlygood frame to use if one has a poncho orpack cloth, which is spread over the top, tied to theside bars, and the whole is then covered with boughs.This ensures a dry spot to sleep on, and makes a verysnug shelter in snowy weather, as no wind can getthrough, nor snow-water leak through from the top(snow does not melt at the sides) from the heat ofthe camp-fire.Brush Lean-to.—If two trees happen to standin the right position, run a stout ridge pole horizontallyfrom one to the other, secured in forks of lowlimbs, or in notches cut in the trees, or by nailing,or tying (use twisted withes, pliable rootlets, or barkstraps, if you have no cord). Against this lay polessloping backward to the ground like a shed roof.Fasten a cross bar on the back, and one on each side,to stiffen the frame and to support thatching. Coverthe roof and sides with evergreen boughs (balsam,hemlock, or spruce) hanging them from ridge andcross bars by stubs of their branchlets. trim them