THE first thing to parties bent on roughing it is the selection of a
tent, which can be hired of any of the sail-makers, for any length of
time, and at a reasonable price. For a party of seven or eight, an
eight-foot wall-tent, is the best. Dig a trench around the outside
to avoid nocturnal baptism the first time it rains. The beds can be
comfortably arranged in the rear of the tent, by laying rubber blankets
on the ground; on which lay boards slightly raised for the head, and
sloping to the ground at the foot. These beds should be placed so
that the persons will lie with their heads at the sides of the tent
and feet toward the center. On the boards spread straw, hay, or dry
seaweed, then the blankets. Every thing used about the bed should be
laid in the sun every day. Some prefer sleeping on the ground rolled up
in a blanket; but this is imprudent, except in very dry localities.
The next important thing is the stove. The top of a common
cooking-stove with covers and stove-pipe to fit, which can be bought
at any junk-shop for a trifle, serves very well in dry weather. Dig
out a place in the side of a bank the size and shape of the stove-top,
about two feet deep, and line three sides with brick or stones, with
the front open. Regulate the draught by placing something in front for
a blower.
“THE LEXINGTON CAMPING-STOVE,” (which is the neatest, the most compact
and convenient thing of the kind I ever saw), gotten up by the
“Lexington Botanical Club” for their own use is just the article for
camp. It is a box-stove, made of sheet iron, light, and quickly set up
or taken down. It fits into a wooden chest which is thirty inches long,
sixteen and a half deep, and fifteen broad. Into the stove fits a large
water-tank; and, into the tank and one end of the stove, fit all the
utensils for cooking and serving. When the stove is set up, the chest
answers for a closet for stores, and also for a seat. This outfit is
not prepared for the market by theorists who only guess at the wants
of the camper, but has been studied out by gentlemen and ladies who,
every year, spend months in the mountains, and who try to have all the
comforts and conveniences possible, and yet to have very little baggage
to transport from place to place. They have been using a similar stove
for years; and we now have the result of continued improvements in the
most perfect form of it. At my request, they have permitted their model
to be used for the forming of others. They are made and for sale by J.
A. Johnson, No. 5 Norfolk Place (opposite the Adams House). The whole
cost of box, stove, and utensils will not exceed eighteen dollars.
KEROSENE OIL STOVES are sometimes preferable, for they are easily
transported, and can be used in wet or dry weather. The “Boston Gem,”
made by Francis Morandi, No. 102 Union Street, I find, after a thorough
trial, works to a charm; the oven baking as well as my stove oven. The
broiler is so made that there is no difficulty in broiling with it.
When in the woods, if possible, I would have a good bed of coals for
broiling.
In regard to COOKING UTENSILS, coffee and tea pots should not have
spouts, but lips: and the lips should be riveted on. It is foolish for
a party going any distance to try to carry crockery. Have tin plates
and cups made, and they will last you for all your camping life. They
can be kept clean by occasionally scouring them with sand if on the
beach, and with ashes if in the mountains; or, what is still better,
with Sapolio, which rub on a cloth and then rub the tin with the cloth.
Four or six cakes of this will give you much comfort and neatness.
If you can carry a farina kettle with you, and you use it with care,
it will be almost invaluable to you, as by that means you can always
be sure that your oat-meal, hominy, rice, &c., will always be cooked
without burning. Always be sure that there is water enough in the
bottom kettle.
CLEANLINESS.—It is very important that perfect cleanliness be observed
in camp, as it adds much to health and comfort. When you pitch your
tent, select a spot a little distance from it, for the refuse. Here dig
a deep hole, if your stay is to be long, and into this hole throw the
debris, each time covering with some of the earth which you have dug
out. By this means you can keep the place clean and sweet.
CLOTHING.—Both ladies and gentlemen should dress in flannel throughout.
One change of under-flannel is enough extra clothes to carry, but be
sure to take plenty of stockings. Have your boots well made and with
broad soles. For hats, broad-brimmed felt hats are the lightest and
coolest.
SOAP.—Carry plenty of soap for bathing, for washing dishes, and
clothes. Take three or four pounds of baking soda with you to use for
bathing purposes; and, if needed, for your mead and cooking.
PROVISIONS for camp-life, will depend much upon the locality, and the
requirements of the party; the following suggestions however, may be
serviceable in making an outfit:—
When it can be obtained take Hecker’s prepared flour, wheat, rye,
Indian, or Graham. From this you will always be sure of good bread
and griddle-cakes. Salt pork, smoked ham, bologna sausage, eggs,
dried beef, salt fish. Game, fresh fish, and fresh meat are supposed
to be obtained in the vicinity of camp. Pilot bread, crackers. Canned
fruit and vegetables, where fresh cannot be obtained. Potatoes, beans,
onions, Indian meal, molasses, sugar, salt, pepper, mustard, vinegar,
butter, coffee, tea, chocolate, rice, oat-meal, baking soda, ginger,
spice, soap, parafine candles, and kerosene oil.
THE ESSENTIAL UTENSILS are tin kettles with covers, coffee-pot, spiders
with covers, gridiron, pans, basins, tin cups, pails, cans, knives,
forks, spoons, lanterns, bags, ropes, strings, thread, needles,
matches, shovel, axe, hammer, nails, slicking plaster, Jamaica
ginger, fishing tackle, gun and ammunition, towels, stockings, and
flannel garments. Each and every one of these articles may be found
serviceable. The value of a match, a string, knife, a pin, or a pinch
of salt, can never be realized, until in the woods or on the water the
need of them has been felt. Parties scorning the idea of bothering with
so many things when simply going out to _rough it_, will find it better
to see that every thing is provided before starting; even then, they
will find camp life rough enough.