6 PREFACE

PURPOSES AND MEMBERSHIP

THE Green Mountain Club exists to bring the people to the Green Mountains and to make the Green Mountains accessible to the people. It maintains The Long Trail, numerous approach trails and some fifty shelters; it conducts a campaign of publicity through the press and by means of illustrated lectures. The Club has grown from its original twenty-three members to over fifteen hundred. There are seven Sections of the Club in Vermont, one in Worcester, Mass., one in New York City, and one in Montclair, N. J. Members not in the Sections are classed as members-at-large.

Each Section assumes the care of trail and lodges in its assigned territory.

Portions of The Long Trail that run through areas under the control of the United States Forest Service are cared for by the Service, which has also generously constructed some trails and shelters. Remaining portions are in charge of the Trails Committee of the central organization, which also extends aid to Sections where necessary. Only devoted volunteer labor and generous gifts of money in excess of dues on the part of many members have made this work possible.

DUES

The dues are now Three Dollars yearly for members-at-large and there is no entrance fee. Dues in the Sections vary from Two to Five Dollars. Those desiring membership in a local Section should communicate with the secretary of such Section, while those wishing to become members-at-large should send application to the Secretary of The Green Mountain Club, Inc., Rutland, Vermont. There is an application blank in the back of this book.

7 PREFACE

PERSONAL HIKING EQUIPMENT

The following suggestions are offered to those going to The Long Trail for the first time, and are to be taken in the light of advice. They are based on the experiences of those who have used the Trail, but old-timers may have their own ideas. While much of The Long Trail is intended for camping, a study of this guide book will show that there are parts that may be done from hotels or boarding houses, and there are many one-day trips that may be made with the aid of an auto to take one to an interseciton of the Trail with some highway. The weight of the hiker's pack may be reduced by a judicious use of the parcels post. Mail addresses are given in the following pages; note that in most cases these houses are far beyond the reach of express matter, but are reached by the parcel post system. As the sending of mail to the care of these farmers is a privilege, previous arrangements should be made before any mail is sent. It should be kept in mind that parcel post is usually slower on rural routes than in the city.

Of all the personal equipment, the most important is shoes. For, unless properly shaped and fitted, they may cause serious discomfort and even permanent trouble. Munson-last army shoes or moccasin type shoes are advised, and, if hobnailed, are better in all weathers. They should be well broken in, loose, and well oiled. In the case of women whose feet are wide enough, the boy's models of the Munson army shoe or moccasins are recommended. Shoes should be only high enough to come well above the ankle bone. Canvas leggings to protect legs and stockings from brush and wet ferns are convenient, but not necessary. Avoid tennis shoes or oxfords, as they do not give the necessary ankle support for rough trail, and cause blisters. Particularly, avoid rubber soled