HELPS TO CAMP IN COMFORT

Ladies' Mirror, Volume 2, Issue 8, 1 February 1924, Page 25

HELPS TO CAMP IN COMFORT

EXPERIENCE

|F it be true that half the pleasure of a holiday lies in the anticipation, I consider that mere man has a distinct grievance. For his preparations begin only on the eve of departure, whereas sisters and mothers and aunts begin theirs weeks ahead. By means of “getting ready for the holidays” they are tasting all the delights of beach and promenade long before men have even begun to think of them. As soon as plans are definitely arranged, no matter how long in advance, womenfolk embark on an orgy of preparation. What, for instance, is so well calculated to bring a whiff of ozone across the sewing machine as “running up” cotton frocks for the beach? But can a man do that? The only thing he can run up is a bill, and even that ceases to be possible as soon as the local tradesmen have got to know him. An attempt to transform a demobilised special constable’s hat into a yachting cap might come under that head, but the result, as far as it awoke any anticipations at all, would be painfully suggestive only of the less pleasing aspects of yachting. Once camp is reached (and camping is, of course, the best of all ways to spend a holiday), father will have no such grievance. In fact, he may protest that he is too useful altogether! Camping is delightful—but there are many inconveniences which make extra work for the heads of the family, and mother in particular. Given a hammer, saw, a pound of nails, and an even moderately handy man to wield them, and many difficulties which one simply put up with previously will disappear. Boxes which have been used for transporting goods can for the time being be utilised for the china cupboard and dressing-table (it is a good plan to choose your boxes for packing with these ends in view), while even the little stool can be a box on four legs, and will be found

most useful to keep small items in—one stool for each member of the family will save a lot of confusion among children, as they can each have a “hidic hole” to keep their pet treasures in. Clothes have a habit of dropping to the floor from wherever they are put, in most camps the clothes tree should enable father to go to town, when necessary, with at least an uncreased coat. A clever idea which greatly adds to the pleasure of meals, out of doors, is a wire cup and saucer and plate stand. Fencing wire and a pair of strong pliers will make this, and you will never want to be without it. Make a figure eight of wire, small enough in the rings to support a saucer, or you can make one larger than the other. Fasten this to a fork of wire like the letter Y and sharpen the end so that it will pierce the ground easily.

This invention is excellent for a motor picnic—as it is easily portable --and has the additional advantage of being so very inexpensive. See that it is firmly stuck in the ground beside you —and you will not run the risk of losing that cup of tea you had been pining for so long. A few yards of butter-muslin cut into different sized pieces, hemmed, and weighted with big glass beads, will be found invaluable for putting over food when the table is set. You will need large ones for dishes, and smaller ones for jugs, sugar basin, etc. Another most necessary item is a deep hole dug in the earth that scraps of waste food, etc., may be put into and covered with earth. So many campers think it is sufficient to throw scraps a short distance away —and then wonder why the big bush Hies are so attentive! The table illustrated is purposely —as camp seats arc often not the usual height. Do not, however, give your family cause to complain of cramp, or the pleasant loitering hour after dinner will be spoilt.