Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-08-24

A summer camp is a device for seeking
health and pleasure without modern con-
veniences. Campers are persons who OF
their own volition, or through the entice-
ment Of others, revert to primitive modes
Of existence and ostensibly obtain enjoy
ment therefrom. Both place and persons
then favor the development of irregular!-
ties, encourage more or less irresponsl-
bility and lead to immediate wildness. In
this there is no harm and often much
good. However. one thing should not be
forgotten-the arrangements. Allow the
animals to break loose once more for
the seasonal enjoyment, but by all means
have the camp sanitary so that in their
wildness they will no do harm.
For. be it remembered that he who Sc
lects a suitable site, pitches his tent or
builds his hut in proper manner, ex-
amines his food, and protects himself
from his natural enemies, is wise
camper indeed.
The camp site is important. Select high
ground where the breezes blow and the
drainage is good. Only a veritable anna
teur will occupy the space where another
camp has been. for the filth, the flies and
the food remnants are probably still
there. Seek another location. If you are
not satisfied, move; you probably haven't
leased the premises and YOU ought not
to put up with faulty conditions.
The water supply should be pure. The
source should be known and proved to
be uncontaminated and if there is the
slightest suspicion of its quality it should
ic a
practicable and easy method of render
ing any water safe for consumption A
second method is by the use Of bleaching
powder. ADD teaspoonful Of chloride
of lime to one pint of water and keep
in well stoppered bottle. A teaspoonful
of this solution should be placed in two
gallons Of the water to be treated and
after standing for 80 minutes it is then
absolutely safe for consumption.
Guard against insects of all varieties
many are not alone tormenting but dis
ease carriers as well. Screen the cabin,
the tent. or the hut-even the most print
tive people protect themselves in this
manner. Flies frequently spoil an other
wise successful camping trip. Remember
that they breed in manure and filth and
that the camper himself is therefore
often responsible for their presence.
Make the handy man clean up and keep
the grounds policed. A little borax added
to the manure or filth inhibits the de-
yelopment of the larvae and should be in
every outfit. Watch the mosquitoes.
They carry in their sting more than a
temporary annoyance. See that the
campfire conveys a little smudge at
night Oil the pools and screen the
sleeping place if you have not forgotten
to put a few yards of netting in your kit.
Anoint yourself. There are really few
preparations which mosquitoes do not
like. One is castor oil and pine tar,
equal PARTS, and another is Oil OF cit
ronella.
Dispose OF all human and animal
wastes in a proper manner. Burn what
ever is destructible, bury deeply what
YOU can not burn, and protect that which
YOU can not bury. If your site is more
or less permanent handle garbage In
properly covered cans and then inciner-
ate. Just as tin cans have marked the
pathways to the West, SO they indicate
camp sites for all time to come They
have no other usefulness except as breed
ing places for mosquitoes. Why not con-
sign them to their grave while they are
still in the heyday Of existence? Do not
permit the cook to scatter dish water in
discriminatory about; it attracts flies. de-
composes, and is otherwise Objectionable.
Fasten a sign to this effect upon the
nearest tree, or il you have your cour-
age with you emulate Luther and nail
II to the kitchen door.
Provide a suitable toilet. Remember
that soil pollution is one Of the great
causes Of disease in our country today.
Do this then not alone for your own pro-
lection and convenience but for the well
fare of others. The pail system may be
used or q trench dug. utilizing dry earth
or chloride Of lime for covering. Be sure
to protect from insects by screening.
when abandoned make it your business
70 see that it is not objectionable in any
manner and Of no danger to those who
fellow In your footgteps. Do not pollute