12 PREFACE

needed by any party contemplating a trip can best be determined by planning the menus for all the meals before departure. Avoid carrying foods containing a large amount of water, and look into the possibility of using some of the dehydrated foods, notably potatoes, milk and soups. To offset the digestive effect of concentrated foods, carry along some dried fruits, especially apricots, raisins and prunes (the last excellent also for alleviating thirst). Dried cereals that are in compact form are excellent, especially with raisins or dates cooked in. Bread, though bulky, will keep well if wrapped in waxed paper. Study your trip with reference to the possibility of replenishing food supply en route at farm houses or by parcel post.

Dry stuffs should be carried in waterproof cloth bags; butter, cocoa, powdered milk, etc., in tins with friction tops; bacon well wrapped; empty friction-top tin in which to pour surplus bacon grease for use in later frying.

Butter in friction-top tins, tea, coffee, cocoa, sugar, salt, pepper, bread, bacon, dried beef, cheese, apricots, prunes, raisins, dried vegetables, prepared pancake flour, sweet chocolate, dried milk, rice, cereals, fresh meat for first meal out, macaroni; canned goods—sauerkraut, corn, grapefruit, baked beans, peaches, pineapple, cherries, soups.

STUDY TO TRAVEL LIGHT

PREFACE 13

WARNING

llS

Be especially careful about fire. Remember that in the best camping weather the woods are very dry; the soil is inflammable, especially in evergreen woods. A fire should never be built against a log, stump, nor on humus; it may smoulder underground for long distances, come to the surface and start a disastrous fire days after the camper has left the spot. Cigarette butts and pipe dottle are especially likely to start fires of this sort. Hikers are warned not to render themselves liable for the destruction caused by fires on the property over which The Long Trail passes. It is private land.

CAMP RULES

Rules are supposed to be crystalized public opinion, and their transgression is usually due to ignorance. Many who read this book need no guide to camp etiquette, but there may be a few who are venturing for the first time into a world where everything seems to be different, and where the sins of omission are serious. Camp rules might be summed up: "Use the camp as if it were your own, and as if the next comer were your dearest friend."

The first rule has to do with hygiene. Burn or bury all refuse. Tin cans should, if possible, be burned out in the fire and stamped flat and not thrown carelessly about the camp; then they will leave no odor nor hold water to breed mosquitoes. Food that is left around will attract flies and four-footed pests; eggshells and paper on the trail are sure signs of the Trail Hog. The wilderness is lovely because it is free from signs of man; leave none.