Handy for Camper.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 21 August 1914, Page 8

Handy for Camper.

SIMPLE SLEEPING CON-

VENIENCE,

A piece of canvas, coarse, unbleached sheeting, a blanket, or any other piece of material, and 75ft. of strong sash cord, are all the materials necessary to create this camper's equipment. No sewing is required, and the outfit can be erected in a few minutes. It is light and can be carried anywhere.

Select two^ trees, or two poles, and tie the end of the rope to one of these ; then run the rope around the other three times, draw it taut and run the end back to the first support and fasten it. Thus two parallel cords at any desired height will be formed between the two supports.

Spread out the cloth on the ground under the two ropes so that the side of the material to form the inner part of the hammock is uppermost. Lift one side of the material, and place the edge over one

of the cords far enough to overlap about, one-third the entire length of the material. Lift the opposite side and turn its edge over in a like manner, and both edges will overlap in the centre, as shown in the sketch, which also illustrates the way to make up a stretcher quickly.

The weight of the body on the edges causes friction enough to prevent the cloth from slipping.

Two sticks of wood are placed between the parallel ropes at the ends of the cloth to hold them apart as in a hammock. Place a pillow at one end and enter, being careful not to disturb the overlapped edges of the cloth. After hanging the hammock bed stretch another rope between the supports, about 2ft. above the parallel lines. A sheet of canvas or waterproof material is thrown over this rope, and the hanging edges are weighted or staked to the ground, lines of cord first being attached to the corners. — One of the illustrations shows the finished bed and cover. The originator of this device is Mr. V. W. Killick.