Camping and woodcraft - Scoutmastercg.com

CABIN BUILDING 249.which can be bought of a tent maker or a mail orderhouse, a can of paint, and a brush (or the paulin maybe waterproofed before starting—see Vol. I., p. 72),and tack this to the rafters. Thus a durable andperfectly reliable roof is quickly made.These small shacks are best heated by a foldingstove of sheet iron, which can be carried in on aman's back. Take along, also, a collar for the pipe.When there are only one or two men to do thework, the house may have to be built of poles.In such case I prefer a shed-roof construction, as ittakes less material and is easier erected than onewith a ridge. But if there are trees that spliteasily, it is better to build of logs split throughthe center. These half-logs are easy to handle, easyto notch and lock at the corners, make close jointsand require little chinking; besides, since the wallsare flat inside, there is less waste of space and material.Fig. 77.-—Cabin door (woodenhinges and latch)It is not necessaryto floor sucha shack.Some usepoles for the purpose;but a polefloor is hard tokeep clean and offersharborage forvermin. A hardtroddenearthenfloor is easy tosweep and can bekept quite neat. Itiswarmer than anill-fitting one ofboards or puncheons.The door can bemade of boardsriven with axe andwooden wedges,withwoodenhinges and latch,,