One of the simplest camp beds is shown
in Fig. 1. It consists of a rectangular piece of canvas
with a wide hem at each side. Through the opening formed by
these hems poles are thrust and their ends are then rested
upon two logs as shown. It is a very comfortable bed for
camping and the canvas that goes to make it may be used for
other purposes in the daytime. This is an advantage not to be
scorned, for the chief aim of the seasoned camper is to get
along with as few things as possible or, in other words, to
use everything for as many different purposes as possible.
The lower cuts, Fig. 3 and Fig.
4, show two fireplaces. The first is a three-sided wall
built of stones. One side is left open to receive the draft,
the others are closed to retain the heat. A camp fire like
this will serve your needs for broiling and frying fish and
making coffee quite as well as a costly camp stove.
Fig. 4 shows the familiar
arrangement of pots and kettles over an open bonfire. This is
a more satisfactory method of cooking than the tripod just
described under the heading "Camp Kitchen," but it
is well to know about both. The first can always be made in
the woods. The arrangement in Fig. 4 requires wire for
hooks, boards, etc., which have to be provided ahead of time.
It seems that nothing at home ever tasted as good as the stuff
one cooks in the open air. It is not always convenient to find
an overhanging limb where we want it, but it is possible to
find a piece of board and nail it just where it will do the
most good, if one would only think of it in time. If you carry
a few spikes and a piece of heavy wire to make hooks you will
never be at a loss for a place to boil your coffee.