An almost endless variety of ideas
could be applied to the yearly camping trip. There are
pictured here some things that will cost you absolutely
nothing to try and which may prove convenient and serviceable.
Figure 1 shows a method of
baking bread. Get a green branch and peel off the bark, making
one end pointed. The sharp end is driven six inches into the
ground at a point five or six feet away from the fire. Mix up
your dough, flatten it out and cut into strips. Twist the
strip in a spiral around the end of the peeled stick and hold
it as close to the fire as you wish by bending it down.
Figure 2 is a device used for
climbing trees. It is simply a piece of strong wire twisted to
the shape shown. The foot rests in the small loop or stirrup
and the climber encircles the tree with his arms in the usual
way. The wire will be easily drawn up, but it sticks going
down and provides a foot rest. It is a pioneer device of
inestimable value on account of its simplicity. Anyone can
climb a tree with one.
Figure 3 is one of the best. It
is a lantern made with a fruit jar and a candle. One piece of
wire twisted into the proper shape furnishes a candle holder
and bail to carry it with. The zinc top of the jar must be
punched full of holes to admit air to the candle. Right under
the top kinks or twists are put in the wire so that it will
not pull through when being carried. In unscrewing the jar top
the whole device turns. The candle may be lifted out at will.
This home-made lantern is serviceable and trustworthy. It is
also safe and easily carried.
Figures 4 and 5
represent the use that may be made of a pail. With a cover on,
as in Fig. 4, it becomes an oven. Fill it with the food
you want to bake and cover with coals. The last is a camp
warmer. It consists of a pail full of hot stones.