Whenever tents are to be used in a camp, they should be purchased with
care and pitched properly. There are on the market several different
types of tents: the army wall tent (p. 10.) which should always be
pitched with a fly and be opened at both ends, the conical and the
pyramidal tents. The two latter are not recommended for general use.
They are erected with one center pole, which is always in the way, and
have to be pegged to the ground, thus making guy ropes a nuisance rather
than a convenience. These tents are, however, picturesque in effect. (p.
12.)
When ordering tents always stipulate the size and the weight and width
of the material to be used. Army duck, 10 oz. double fill for the tent
and 8 oz. double fill for the fly, width 29 inches, will give the best
satisfaction.
[Illustration: The Wash House for Personal and Laundry use. Faucets hang
from above. Inclined trough between two shelves, the whole, zinc
covered, runs length of house. Two soapstone tubs for extra hard
scrubbing at right. Special compartment at left for officers.]
The size of the tents for sleeping will depend somewhat on the character
of the site. Where the ground is very sloping, trees close, space
limited, small tents will have to be used; either 7 x 9 or 9 x 9's.
These tents which will accommodate two people, should always be used to
house counsellors, but are not recommended for children as a general
thing. The larger tents, 14 x 14 or 14 x 16 will accommodate eight cots
and give ample space for personal equipment.
For short trips there are small lightweight, waterproof tents which can
be rolled so that they take up very little space in transportation. They
are pitched over ground cloths, with one pointed rod and metal spikes
for pegging the tent to the ground. These tents hold two people. (pp.
78, 80, 82.)