WOODCRAFT NOTES

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 151, 14 July 1937, Page 8

WOODCRAFT NOTES

Some time ago in my notes I left you standing about in the camp kitclien. Since then it has rained heavily, and you probably got pretty wet. That> reminds us that some form of shelter must be put up to protect the cooks. Wet weather must not interfere with cooking arrangements ; in fact, it is more important to have kot, wellcooked meals on wet days than on fine. New chums get a bit "dowh-in-the mouth" sometimes on wet days and there is nothing like a good hot meal ta reassure them. If sacks or old tents are used to provide shelter care must be taken that they are higk enough and far enough away from the fire not to catck fire or you may roast the cook mstead of the meat. It you can get a few skeets of old iron these are safer. Green scrub with a good slope on it may be used, but see that it is green. Now the matter of wood and water. Every Scout should know what wood is good and what is bad. Some wood is very smoky and gives little keat. Manuka, kowhai, matai, are all good providing tliey are dry. Pjtne, gum, willow, rimu are also good though iuclined to be a bit smoky, especially if not quite dry. Poplar and other soft woods are very little use and should only be used if nothing else is at hand. A shelter should be built for your cutup wood, and the main firewood dump. should be outside the kitchen and far enough away to protect the cook froin chips, There is a great deal to be learnt about chopping firewood. This is not the cook's job. Each night see that some small dry kiudling is under cover. Good cooks take a little into their tents so that they can get things goiug first thing. Now, the matter of water. This is very important. It is the Scouters job to see that the water supply is fit for drinking, but you may be on your own sometimes. Clear water does not always mean purity and every precaution should be taken, for many diseases are carried in water. All water where stock are running should be boiled and a supply should be kept ready for drinking. Special tins or billies should be kept especially for water. These should be kept covered with butter muslin and fastened down with a ring of elastic or string. Water supply, like wood, is not. the cook's job. Patrol leaders should see that Scouts are appointed daily for this job. Remember, many hands make light work, and a few minutes by t/ie whole patrol will ensure a contented cook and, I liope, good and clean meals. Next week 1 will yarn on cleanliness in the kitchen