Agates are sold for sixpence by tobacconists and can be kept with a
piece of tinder in a little tin box, to use instead of a flint for
procuring a spark from steel.
The burning-glass taken from a telescope and held over tinder in hot
sunshine will cause it to ignite.
Firewood should be looked for under bushes, as the driest and easiest
to light is always found there. Old tree roots make excellent firewood.
Large logs make the best fire when placed transversely and built in
with smaller wood.
When obliged to sleep on the ground scrape a hollow for the hip bone to
rest in and another for the shoulder, then much better rest is obtained.
A piece of mackintosh should always be taken with any rugs, but failing
mackintosh a piece of tarred or painted canvas is excellent for keeping
out damp. Brown paper is an excellent non-conductor of heat, and if
placed between rugs and blankets makes one worth two in warmth. A bag
filled with grass or dry earth makes a good pillow. Thick quilts or
rugs with sheets of wadding quilted in between them are better for
bed-coverings than blankets when camping out, and are lighter to carry.
Take care to keep the extremities warm when in cold climate. Increase
the warmth of knitted woollens by lining them with thin flannel or
silk, and cut the legs from stockings that are worn out at the feet and
use these for covering the arms. Keep the mouth covered if you would
keep warm in keen frosty weather, as this prevents rapid evaporation of
the heat of the body. The Red Indians knew this, and one of them seeing
a white man suffering from cold once remarked to him, “You no keep your
breath warm and so, you cold.”
Much sugar should be consumed in cold climates, and eating sweets
freely is much to be commended. Toffee can be made easily over a
camp fire at night, and is wholesome faring for anyone. Chocolate
is excellent food likewise, and peppermint candies are good for
stimulating digestion and warming the stomach.
A thick dressing-gown is a great comfort in either hot or cold
climates; it can be worn while day clothes are airing or drying and is
a better sleeping dress than night clothes when travelling.
During cold weather, after washing the body, rub well with oil to help
to keep the skin soft and free from sores. A horse-hair flesh glove to
use for a vigorous dry rub is better than too frequent washing in water.
Grease the soles of shoes when much walking has to be done, and a layer
of grease between the foot and shoe is a great preventive of foot
sores. The harder the ground the thicker the socks or stockings should
be.