The Washington times., 1905-08-03

We are all better physically and men
tally for day now and then spent
close TO nature. with cares and re-
sponsibilities put aside for a few hours
Also, there is nothing more enjoyable
than a picnic in some cool, pleasant
spot, providing details nave been plan
ned beforehand and the day is propi
tious. Unfortunately, some of US have
become Drejudiced against such outings
because they bring to US memories of
sticky or insipid luncheons and the
dreariness of uncongcnial company.
Where people are brought together en-
masse the result is likely to be the
reverse of pleasant to many: unless de-
tails are thought out there is often dis
comfort which cannot be averted or
overcome.
Limit the Invitations.
The map or woman who has had ex-
perience in planning such outings viii
first of all limit the number of invita-
tions-more than a dozen entails the
carrying OF too large quantity of food.
The spot selected should be planned
with reference to its shade and acces-
sibiHty either by carriage or on foot
from station or trolley line cool
srring near at hand is desirable. but it
should not lie patronized unless its
purity is assured Several DAYS ahead
the list of necessary edibles made out
as we'll as lists Of utensils and such
other articles as are likely to be needed:
then. II each article is checked off :
packed no indispensab bles will be miss
ing when called for. When carria ges
are to be used. two large hampers or
baskets should Oe provided, one for
utensils and dishes, etc, the other for
food; if, however. the carrying must be
divided among the various members of
the party, have on hand a number of
stout cardboard boxes of convenient
size. When dishes, utensils. etc, must
be reduced to the lightest proportions
wooden plates and paper napkins; both of
these articles are now made in artistic
shapes and designs. Telescope drinking
cups or bright new tin ones will not Be-
found aniSs and the loss of a few new
tin spoons will not be a grave matter
When a table cloth is to be used. one
o. bright red and white viii be found
better than plain white one. as the
grass makes the latter appear dingy.
of utensils, Il pocket alcohol stove and
tin pail will make good coffee, pro-
but securely in a muslin bag. A tin
pie plate or two Will prove just the
thing for scrambling eggs, making a
rarebit or frying cold potatoes.
To Pack Properly.
The way in which lunch is packed is
largely responsible for its appearance at
the time of serving. Even when daintily
prepared. careless packing will prove
ruinous to otherwise delicate dishes. For
this reason ii is well to erase from the
menu all such articles as would be cas-
lily crushed or broken. Food should be
firmly and compaCtly put up to insure
satisfactory carriage. In wrapping the
edibles Waxed or paraffine paper should
be freely used-a ream of 500 medium
sized sheets costs considerably less than
81 and is sufficient for whole sum
mer's outings-it is much better than
the usual unglazed light brown or white
paper. as it excludes odors and keeps the
food IN good. moist condition.
The Planning of the Menu.
As for the menu itself. it will of neces-
sity vary according to the whereab bouts
Of the party. City dweIIers have com
mand Of the best markets and can levy
on all varieties Of food whether I'm or
out Of season. If the gentlemen of the
party are 10 fish and will afterward
prepare a fire. special hot course can
be planned for and the necessary uten-
sils added to the supply basket Certain
staples. such as fried chicken, cold