Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-04-19

|
his bearings on the cloud
lest day or the darkest
night by 'the feel o. the bark on
| trees or by ''the lean o the bush.
! The heat of the sun and the fury of
| the north winds incline trees and bush
| es alike to the south This is particu-
larly noticeable in tall trees standing
out in the open. Again, it is commonly
observed that the bark on the north
| side of trees is rOugher than on the
south side. On elms, oaks and naples
moss grows on the north side, forming
q furry coat against the biting blasts
of winter. The sap is warmed up by
the sun, and in the spring sugar max
ers tap the NAPLES on the south side
or wherever the sun can best act on
the frozen spring of sweetness, usual
! ly the southwest
Don't run to the woods or seek the
shelter of tall trees during a thunder
storm. Such is the advice of vet
eran of the fields. If caught in the
woods in storm. look for a cave or
an Overhanging rock under which pro-
lection may be found. Lightning
strikes the tallest trees. In the absence
of caves or large rocks the safest way
is to crouch under a low bush or tree
with stout. widespreading branches.
There the limbs and trees blown down
by the storm may be avoided.
Hickory and chestnut trees are scat
tered throughout forests usually and
do not form groves by themselves. A
chestnut grove is the ideal for Shade
and for playground. The branches
orr Inp nj Int Y
trunk. fairly inviting the youth to play
and climb.
In pine groves there is seldom any
underground The SoiI is very springy
and light. Usually the trees stand so
closely together that the ground is COM
parativeIy dry even after prolonged
dOwnpour. Snakes and wild animals
less frequently haunt these groves be-
cause of the lack of underground and
hiding places from each other.
Nervous persons should always eX-
anime small moss covered rocks and
decayed logs before using them for
seats. They may be the lurking places
for snakes and other undesirable COM
pany.
Poison ivy usually chooses damp
ground for its home, along stone walls
and large sheltering rocks, though it is
also found clinSing to old trees in
dense forests. The leaves grow in clus-
tiers of three. Poison ivy is with diff
ficulty distinguished from the harm
less variety, and the safest way for a
novice is to let all stray vines alone.
Wild animals know by instinct when
there is n man with gun in the woods.
Squirrels are particularly knowing in
this respect. The only way to kill a
squirrel is to shoot him right in the
face and be quick about it. Even then
you may not hit him.
If lost in the woods at night, the best
thing to do is to make a small clearing,
build a rousing campfire to keep away
wild animals. gather some boughs for
a couch and lie down with your soles
to the east" If searching party is
out, they'll see the light from the fire
or smell the smoke and thus be guided
toward you. If you are not among
friends, the fire will keep you safely
over night, and you'll arise with the
sun. invigorated and ready for a fresh
start after a good nights rest. With
the sun as a guide you can easily find
your way out of the woods, whereas
dl YOU likely " ndlh
round and round in circle"
Underground is always thickest and
most verdant in the vicinity of water.
One may. drink freely from all forest
springs and running streams. The only
water to be avoided is that OF stagnant
ponds and pools. In emergencies even
this may be partaken OF sparingly,
but under no circumstance should it be
taken without first having been filtered
through cloth. For this purpose use a
handkerchief, a part of the shirt sleeve
or any cloth convenient. If a felt hat
is worn. it will make the best fiIterer.
However hopeless the situation may
appear, always direct your supreme eff
fort toward keeping COOL Don't lose
your head. Ninety-nine out of a hun
dred lives lost result from persons los
ing their heads. The woodsman's mot
to is, Don't get rattledr'