The Washington times., 1913-06-08
RULES FOR COMFORT
ON HIKING TRIPS"
Scout Master Tells Boys Some
of Things Which Will Aid
in Summer Trips.
BY GORDON LEACH.
Scout Master.

The first rule for a Boy Scout in ''hik-
nE" is GO easy" There are man.
hings which enter into the speed of
ae hiker and the distance covered.
DE could hardly expect to go as far
Il htlly or rough country as on
n. Doth roads with very little grade
Many a boy has become discouraged
because he could not go as fast as
ONE of his ctroGSer cnmDaniCus. A
sgianer should not attempt long dis
ances, but should confine himself TO
= orter hikes and make them more
frequently until he becomes accustomed
o tramping. By planning these trips
o that the distance covered is greater
bach time, the boy will become ac-
,ustomed gradually to long distances
yithout becoming unduly fatigued.
shoes are an important factor in
nking. l have found most comfort
abie those which have been worn long
Enough to become shaped to the feet.
" oolen socks should also be worn,
Especially If the boy has a heavy pair
pf shoes. They form a mat for the
feet and absorb perspiration. They are
ao warmer than ordinary cotton socks.
(Which affects the foot.
Don't Wear Darned Socks.
Il one wishes to use cotton socks.
use new ones. as th~ are softer. In
Ho case should a hiker use darned
focks. Woolen underwear should be
fF0rn for winter hiking
: haki trousers are about as good as
ran be obtained fo- hiking purposes.
f~o-duroy does not make good hiking
r"users. as they become heavy when
T. II and give off an unwholseome odor.
Every boy who goes hiking should have
r Sood serviceable flannel shirt.
" astcoats are excellent things to
wear because they have so many pock-
RS In them They can be left open
winter they are excellent for keep
fnC one warm.
Sweaters Necessary.
= sweater is indispensable for hiking.
Et is warm. light and durable. When
oiled up it makes a very comfortable
pillow to use at night
A felt hat with a flannel sweat-band
Is the recognized headwear among old
hampers for outdoor use.
IN choosing knife, do not make the
mistake of getting it too large. 1t
With 21t inch blade is large enough for
most occasions.
blanket for use on overnight hikes
g a necessity. 1t should be woolen
\ sleeping bag may be improvised by
; ne use Of harness safety pins, which
fnay be obtained from any harness
F'iop. A rubber blanket is also a neces-
F y II one expects to hike extensively.
The first aid equipment should not be
Oc extensive. A roll of bandage, ad-
esiye tape, and a few simple remedies
Is an that Is necessary. IN case of
accident only temporary relief may be
at the road side, and a doctor
fhoud be consulted as soon as possible
Be Careful Of Water.
Do not eat any berries or fruit unless
you know what 1t is. Be careful of
water. 1t is not good to drink while
pr the road. but If one must do So
{ void the tempting little streams. since
ons cannot tell what may be found in
T. en-.
Watch for bIsters on the feet and
a tend to them Immediately. Use a
ly0wdered form of iodine, Custed over
fhs spot after It has been thoroughly
hathed, and then fasten a small piece
OF cotton over the place with straps of
a ihestve plaster.
Much of the value of the hike to one
p 0ysically will depend on the way the
s out carries himself. The chest should
b. high, the neck against the back OF
e collar, and the arms should swing
y de. The stride should be of medium
i ngth-3o inches is the standard in the
3 -rny-Quick and springy. Do not set
Dut 10 make a record, but let your
II tito be, enjoy yourself
When you start out, whether for an
, ternoon or overnight hike, have
p pose In mind II may be your four
/. -n-mile hike for first-class test; it
y 4y be to study birds or 10 test equip
n mt Many of the best Scouts al
; vs carry notebooks and pencil, and
: re careful observations along the
Ill or road for future information.
kemember to be a gentleman a all
'Ies. One Is never so near TO himself
3 when on the road in the open.