Democratic Sentinel, Volume 21, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 June 1897 — A Royal Road to Camping Out. [ARTICLE]

A Royal Road to Camping Out.

Some unique and moderate-cost summer outings are Instructively described in the Iwidies' Home Journal by Daniel C. Beard, who shows a royal road to camp life and the joys of houseboat parties, the approximate cost, etc. In selecting a camping place Mr. Beard counsels the selection of a spot which “gives the finest possible view of mountains, lakes or rivers, even If soma Inconvenience must be suffered in the selection. The eatnp must be dry mid well drained, so that In case of sudden storms there will be no danger of the water Hooding the tents, wetting the bedding or spoiling the food. A gentle sloping ground is best. Avoid locating In the track or below the mouths of Innocent-looking gullies or ravines, that may, In case of rain, be developed Into torrents of muddy water, and sweep the eamp like a cloudburst. A supply of pure water contributes ns much to the enjoyment of the campers as to the preservation of health. Common sense will direct that the camp be selected within easy reach of some bubbling sirring or fresh, uncontamlnated brook of running water, but there Is another thing of ’paramount Importance, and that is a handy supply of fuel.” Mr. Beard tells how to construct the Adlrondacks’ camp, the brush covered lean-to, etc., but considers canvas tents the best shelter for campers. *They are transported with much greater ease than the most simply constructed portable house. A tent may be erected with the expenditure of less labor than any other kind of camp, and furnishes a comfortable shelter all the year round. A good wall tent, with a fly and a wooden floor, la protection enough for even the most dellcaite of persons. “When you start so? eamp leave artlflcialtles and fripperies behind packed up In camphor,” Is Mr. Beard’s advice. “Bring only your free, untrammeled self with you, and ho! for a frolic, for flapjacks and eoffee, sweetscented spruce boughs, camp fires, and the fireside song and the music of the banjo. Let your first care be to secure cheerful, happy companions as the most Important articles for your camping outfit."