12 PREFACE

lowing list); share of cooking utensils (following list); share of food; extra films and photographic equipment; serviceable camp-axe in sheath (one in party; a 1 1/2-pound axe with 26-inch handle is good); extra toilet paper; medicine kit, 1 in party (following list); extra matches in waterproof container; pocket whetstone; electric flash lamp or folding candle lantern and candles; a few feet of stout cord; spare shoe laces; canteen (one or more according to size of party).

SEWING KIT (one in party): Safety-pins, 3-inch; needles; thread; darning materials for socks and underwear; extra buttons; sewing awl.

COOKING UTENSILS (one in party): Simple cooking utensils are supposed to be in all lodges, but it is advisable to carry some according to size of party; folding canvas water bucket; two pails that will nest, largest about 3-quart (if powdered coffee is used a coffee-pot is unnecessary); fry-pan with folding handle; dish towel; can opener; and for each person, tin cup, tin plate, spoon, fork and knife. If batter pan can be had in which pails will nest, it will prove useful as dish-pan, etc., as well as for cooking.

FIRST AID KIT (one in party): Laxative; small tube of antiseptic salve; aseptic bandage; adhesive tape (useful for sealing can tops); small aseptic cotton; talcum powder; chlorazene tablets.

FOOD SUGGESTIONS: Choice of food is largely an individual matter and the appended list can be modified to suit individual tastes. The various foods and the quantities, item by item, 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

13

PREFACE

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; bacon or daisy ham well wrapped, preferably in parchment or cellophane; tins with friction tops are most convenient for carrying butter, powdered milk, cocoa, etc.; an extra one is useful to carry surplus bacon fat for later use.

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, where extra weight is not a consideration.

The Green Mountain Club publishes a special booklet on "Foods and Cooking on The Long Trail"; this can be obtained from the Secretary for ten cents.

WARNING

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. Fires may safely be built on rocks, gravel or sandy soil away from combustible matter; preferably near water. 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. Extinguish all fires thoroughly before leaving a camp site or a shelter.