(Lamping for ©trie By HORTENSE GARDNER GREGG Are you weary of the old life ? Do you long for something better ? Come with me into the freedom Of the wild. In the Freedom of the Wild Z\:c Invitation I will lead you to the wonders of the finest hinds enchanted, To the waters of Youth's Fountain Undefiled. Come With Me And ymir soul may drink in rapture Till a new life throbs within you And you dwell content with all things, Just a child. The Spirit of the Wild Copyright by the Author Camping For Girls BY HORTENSE GARDNER GREGG Dedicated to my dear friend Ethel Bradbury, in memory of those old cainping days and the "sunsets gold," when Dreaming sweet dreams in the twilight still O'er rose-tinted waters we drifted at will, Drifted where mirrored a fairy world lay — Dreaming and dreaming, away, and— away. NORWAY, ME. : ADVERTISER BOOK PRINT 1907 fLIBRARY of CONGRESS Two Copies Received DEC 14 190? Copyflint tntry CLASS A XXC, No. COPY Hntuobuctor\> Out from tlie dim sbadow-beart of tlie forest, Thro 1 mystic, green arch-ways the leafy trees span, Sweetly tlie myriad voices of Nature Call lo the languishing spirit of man. A summer's outing to the average working girl often means but a few weeks' change from hot, stifling city stores and factories to some crowded sea shore hotel, where the hard earned money of weary months is soon spent in dress promenades along the beach. Here the days are filled with naught but foolish pleasures — casinos, theatres, park entertainments, an occasional drive, maybe, and surf bathing (the only beneficial feature of it all) . And these, crowned with evenings spent in close, heated rooms at fancy, social hops — do you think it any wonder that weary of life the poor girl returns to her humdrum round of duties, a little tanned, perhaps, but otherwise more tired than before ? Of what benefit is such a vacation ? For half the money thus spent the following chapters will tell you how to spend the summer months and truly enjoy an outdoor life. Why should we be weak ! Why not be strong like our brothers? Did Nature intend that we should drag out our lives in such narrow ways of existence as most of us spend it to-day ? This last question came to the writer a few years ago when compelled by ill health to give up her chosen work. And her soul, rising above its weaker body, answered emphatically — NO ! IO INTRODUCTORY With a firm determination to find the true road to health she sought such employment as was best for her, and even if salary were not munificent 'twas just enough, with freedom to follow her own sweet will. During hours she could call her own she turned her face toward Nature and left for a time society friends and the fashion- able world. She found she could live as well as before and was deprived of none of the necessities of life. And O, the joy of living ! To live in the w Is one must have a shelter of some kind — a tent is all that is needed in summer for boys, all that is needed for girls (if they would but think so). Anyway a simple, one-room board camp can be made, dry and comfortable for a rainy day, but sleep in a tent, or, in pleasant weather, even out of doors 'neath the tree starlit heavens. It is wonderful how soon one loves such a life, and how many things that were once a necessity soon become needless. Food, warmth, and shelter — this is all life demands — and the woods can give it. With every breath of the sweet, piney air the blood bounds with new vitality through your veins, new strength comes, and lite is so good to live! Health brings true happiness, the greatest boon of life. And where and how shall we seek to obtain good health: Not to the doctors with their drugs and medi- cines, not to fashionable summer resorts, but to the very heart of Nature, go — and you'll rind it there, if you patiently search aright. TIh- author writes especially to her sisters, for rejoic- ing in her own perfectly restored health she begs them follow her example and raise the physical standard of womanhood to-day. INTRODUCTORY I I O, girls, of both city and country, leave the small artificialities of life — leave all that tends to undermine your health, and lay the foundation for generations to come. Strive to regain that lost strength and beauty which characterized those women of the past, who in America's great, unconquered forests, bravely fought, side by side with their brothers, to give us the freedom we now enjoy. Nothing is grander than a perfect woman ! Spring Spring gives to the out door girl : Early morning walks over crusted fields and through open woodlands — maple sugar season in camp — waking I nooks — silvered willows. Rubber-boot tramps, when roads are otherwise im- passable, across moist, brown fields, to where marshes give first glimpses of life — early birds, crows, bluebirds, robins, etc. — early flowers, hepaticas, arbutus, violets, etc. Trees a-bloom and fields a-green — sweet songs every- where — unfolding leaf-buds — and then, The roses of June are with us! When Sunbeams Kiss the Snows Away Camping for Girls CHAPTER I. HOW TO BEG] X. Make your dwelling, tho 1 it. be Bui a day, Fnmi the ceaseless human strife, Far away, "Where t lie bird notes sweet and clear Haunt the shade Of Hie leafy, forest-temple God hath made. You, who are working day after day, shut away from the sunlight and air, in some dingy shop, or crowded store or narrow office, say to yourself: "I will save a small sum of my earnings and spend my next summer vacation as far from this life as possible." Find a half dozen others of a 'like mind, and during the winter plan it together. Form a little club if you like and meet each week. Have a common fund to add to for expenses, such as tent, provisions, etc. Then, when temptation for a new party gown comes, buy instead a dress suitable for the woods. A serge or broadcloth walking skirt, at least six inches from the ground, of a gray mixture, is good, a loosely made waist, a kind of shin waist effect, with a sweater in place of a coat. Ot course, the true outdoor girl never wears stays, and so a broad bell fastened to the skirt and made of the same material, is best and neatest. A white wash hat with broad brim is very nice and cool to wear oh a sunny day, on rainy days a rubber hat with wide brim at hack like your brother's, and on cloudy days— no hat at all ! CAMPING FOU GIRLS 1$ Wear jersey underwear and seersucker skirts. Waists and outside skirts of jean are very neat and natty, wash easily and require no ironing. Starched frills and furbelows are unknown to followers of the "blazed trails." The khaki suits, which have lately found favor in Fashion's eye, have proved their value to the outdoor girl and will doubtless be worn by her long after Style decrees "something new." These suits, made from the regulation cloth of our U. S. soldiers, are washable and light and cool for summer, while being closely woven, they defy the many thorns and scratchy branches of the wilderness roads. And say good-bye to those high heeled, pointed toed shoes in which you have toddled (for we cannot say walked) over pavements or danced to the music of a ballroom. O, what a relief to the poor tortured feet to walk at last natural and free ! Personally, I have found the white tennis shoe (white soled) is best for warm weather, and for fall the elk- skin moccasin cannot be improved on. To be sure either of these may wet through, but they dry easily, and are flexible and light, whereas leather shoes become stiff and heavy. Don't mind wet feet, girls, just keep moving till they are dry, and the fear of a cold is need- less. Colds ! Such trifling distempers belong only to the life you have left, to damp, sunless apartments and chilly draughts of impure air. They are unknown here in the glad, sweet freedom of sunshine and woodland breeze. And thus, with a little sacrifice to vanity and small deprivations of the latest society fads, you will find in the spring you have collected a neat little outfit, have M> CAMPING FOR GIRLS saved the required amount and arc all prepared to spend an entire summer as, perhaps, you have never spent it before. "Girls," Madam Grundy declares, "must have chap- erones," so find a congenial married companion, elderly in years, bul young in all things else, to accompany you. If, however, you tear a life in the woods without the security of a "manly protector," then, of course, your chaperone's husband must also come — but, girls, he sure he is a lazy man, for, remember, you are going forth to learn from Nature absolute self-reliance. A small lake near a farmhouse is an ideal place to camp, about a mile from a country village. About a mile, I say, for that is a good daily walking distance to post-office and supply stoie — often-times all in one. Do not take provisions, buy from the treasury you have tilled during the winter. A hand grip is all that is necessary for clothing — no great Saratoga.for a trip like this. One ordinary trunk, however, will be very convenient in which to pack the camp properties. Have a tent of khaki duck, io\i2 feet, 4-foot walls. You will find this to be preferable to the commoner white duck because it does not soil so easily, neither arc- insects attracted so readily. Be suit' and have a haversack, 'tis almost indispen- sable. This is best made ol white duck, with rounded coiners and (lap to overlap and strap with small buckle "i fiont. A broad strap fastened at the sides to go over the shoulder should be three inches in width. The ba°- should not hang too low. This haversack will be very handy in which to carry provisions from store to camp, and on hundreds of other CAMPING FOR GIRLS 1 7 occasions. .Suspend it from one shoulder, having it rest just hack of the hip. Many slip the strap over the head across the chest, hut I find in this way the lungs are apt to be compressed and breathing hindered, especially when climbing hills. Use your own ingenuity and skill as to small pockets stitched inside for various articles. Improve on the following as you think best for your individual needs — but don't take too many trifles. After a few trips you will learn just what is required. Here is where the art of condensation comes in. Contents of grip. An extra waist of whatever wash material desired, Bathing suit, white duck hat, Pair plain hose, tennis shoes, Rain coat, haversack, Turkish hath towels, Soap, dish towels, Handkerchiefs, One set jersey underwear, Comb, tooth brush, sponge, Scissors, thread, needles, Pins, darning cotton, etc., Stamped envelopes, Postcards, stationery, pencils. Contents of trunk. Dark gray blanket each, Axe, hunting knife, rifle, Rubber floor and table cloths, Dishes — pail, kettle, coffee- pot, frying pan, baker. Aluminum plate, dipper, fork, knife, spoon each, One dozen screw hooks, 3-foot square sheet iron, Compass, oil stone, Surgeon plaster, ginger ext. Matches, lantern, candles, Oil of citronella. Several yds. mosquito netting. The blankets may be rolled inside the tent, firmly strapped, and checked thus, if preferred. Let us see, for a party of six : One hand grip each, and two articles of baggage (tent and trunk) to be checked. That is all. This should come under the chaperone's especial care, besides the responsibility of five young girls, cut loose from the bonds of labor, keenly alive to the free, happy days before. But, dear reader, 'tis a pleasant task. I know, for — I have been chaperone ! Summer. To the outdoor girl the summer months bring unlimited gifts: Long walks in the early morn or dewy eve — drives over pleasant country roads — woodland rambles. Pleasures of all kinds — picnics, camping parties, boat- ing, bathing, tennis, golf. Nature study in all branches — birds, flowers, ferns, mosses, sedges, trees, minerals, insect and animal life — and then, Nature throws aside her gown of green and robes herself in crimson, brown and gold, for the harvest mouths ha\ e come. When, God Smiles Everywhere. 2o CAMPING FOR GIRLS CHAPTER II. FIRST NIGHT IN CAMP. <), lair were the sunset clouds at even 1 , Asleep in t be arms of the crimson west ! All gold, with the light of sunbeams riven, Over the lake they rest. A-quiver with life on the highest limb The brown thrush sings in the tree above — Siugs to the day a farewell hymn, To his mate a song of love. Bidding adieu to the hot, dusty city you board the train and are whirled away — away to God's free coun- try. Maine offers many ideal camping spots with her pleasant farms, lakes, mountains and wooded vales. At the station engage a team to transport all baggage — tent, grips, etc., to your chosen camping ground, while yon walk the distance getting acquainted with the country as you go. Presumably the owner of the wagon is also the owner of the land you have rented on which to pitch your tent, and his home not far from the lake. You will find human nature at its best in these country homes and there is no limit to the kind accomodations given. A pleasant vacation is before you. From the dusty highway at last the farmer turns to a rough, stony pasture road, and the one who perchance has ridden thus far (the chaperone probably) will now he -lad to walk. Even the driver may prefer to lead his horse. In a practically open spot near the lake the luggage is dumped and, his proffered services being gaily refused, with a hearty imitation to visit his house CAMPING FOR GIRLS '21 and "call on fer enny thing we hev ye need,'" the genial driver clatters away. An opening where the breezes can enter freely and disperse more or less the insect pests has the advantage of the shade — and, too, there is less danger from sparks igniting the wood growth. If possible learn to pitch a tent yourselves, and also learn to swing an axe. Be independent, girls ! Don't be called a "sweet bother" any longer. Don't rely on a brother's helping hand. Show him what a girl can do. There is no better exercise in the world for develop- ment of muscles in the shoulder and back than felling wood. Now for work to have everything done before dark. There are six of us and each must be given her allotted task. Who can pitch the tent? Let the girl who has camped with her big brother and "seen it done" choose the strongest one to help her. She who can swing the axe, cut the tent-poles, fis boughs and fire-wood, aided by another, who gathers all together near the tent and fire-place, piling the last within reach of the cook. The fifth girl unpacks the trunk and builds the fire-place, while the sixth prepares the supper. There may be three hours left before dark. A few words as to pitching the tent. If no hard wood poles are brought cut a long pole the length of the tent and two uprights corresponding with its height, having forked tips. When no floor is laid a ditch should be dug around the tent walls to drain off rain water, also two holes in which to sink the uprights a few inches. Spread out the canvass so the top lies free with the walls still folded 2 2 CAMPING FOR GIRLS beneath. Place the horizontal, which is the ridge-pole, under the tenl across the center. Put uprights beneath each end, lift to position dropping them into the ground holes already made. Drive- stakes along sides for guv ropes and stretch in place. Be sure the roof slant is the right pitch to shed rain. Have a tent fly for better pro- tection in wet weather. A large quantity of pine needles spread beneath the tent make very good beds for one night, when time is limited. Over these lav the floor blankets (rubber side down). Pack fir boughs well around the walls to keep out the intruding mosquito. Fasten a cord across the head of the bed, about two feet above, over which to drape the netting. By the way, an inside tent of cheese- cloth to drop down at night would be a luxury indeed. (iet one if possihlc. Among "Hints," Chapter V., will be found instruc- tions to make an ideal bough bed, and be sure and have one by the second night. Along the ridge-pole and up and down the uprights screw in the small hooks on which to hang articles of clothing, etc. Roll up your sweaters for pillows, pile neatly the folded blankets, move in the trunk and your work is done. Sit down by the tire and rest, and watch the others work, for yours has been the hardest task. Meanwhile a good supply of wood has been cut, water brought from the spring, fire built, potatoes boiled and ready to remove from lire, for no one has been idle. Drain off the water and set the kettle near the fire with the cover well on, that its contents may steam and keep warm while the remainder of the supper is cooked. Next lay the sheet iron top over the fireplace, which for now is roughly built of rocks on three sides with opening CAMPING FOR GIRLS 23 in front. On this place the coffee-pot (one spoonful of coffee each and an extra for luck). Fill the pot with boiling water and let set a few moments. While the steak is being broiled (or fried) have the table in readiness, which will probably be, this first night, but the cloth spread on the ground. All is now ready. Throw off the iron top, take the potatoes from the kettle, fill it with water and suspend Preparing the First Supper, with a crane of green sticks over the blaze. Build up a brighter fire and gather around the board, or cloth rather — and I have eaten many a meal from off an unfolded newspaper. Plan to have all wood needed for the night gathered, beds made, clothing in place and all things done before 2 I CAMPING FOR GIRLS dark, though you have to cat by firelight— and, girls, wash your dishes* too, no matter if it be midnight, for to the one whose lot it may be to rise with the sun and get breakfast, there is nothing more heartrending than a litter of unwashed dishes. And no meal eaten in the days to come, however richer in quality or greater in quantity, will ever quite equal this, the firs/ ! Though, perhaps, a little tired with the day's journey and housekeeping duties just done, nevertheless the dancing firelight shines upon a circle of happy contented faces — for, oh, it is such a different "tired" from that old dragged-out, discouraged feeling, when weary of the day's labor you climbed those long flights to your little attic room. Only a fitful, nervous sleep those short hums of darkness gave, and with the day dawn, which came so soon, you rose but little refreshed for another struggle with that merciless tyrant, Work. The old life is over for a time. A night (and many nights) of rest is before you in God's sweet, free out of door--. After dishes are washed by a favored( ?) two, put upon the fire a large stump and a lot of pine Cones (if you are so thoughtful as to have found them before dark), and lay comfortabl) around, half dreaming and planning for the morrow, and other morrows to come. Now is the time when our brothers would smoke. Of that pleasant evil we do not partake (the fire-smoke suf- fices to keep the mosquito distant) but if we like we can toast marshmallows on long pointed, green sticks, eat olives or pickles, roast peanuts, corn— or, best of all, chew gum , and we will be just as happy in our own way. CAMPING FOR GIRLS 25 O, the brooklet sang of freedom In that silent, wooded land, Rippling o'er the mossy ledges, Foaming o'er the rocks and sand; While our camp-fire burning brightly Shed around a cheerful glow, Lighting up the distant treetops, Making shadows deeper grow. By and by gay conversation lags, the silent mystery of the wood steals in, and only a low toned voice now and then is heard. Perhaps one or two weary travellers are already sleeping. The chaperone most likely will announce the hour of "bed-time," then cover the fire carefully, leaving a few glowing coals maybe, and tumble in on your first outdoor bed. If properly made you will enjoy your couch, and even if you do not sleep much, this your first night 'mid strange surroundings, you will rest! If the night be cool each roll up in your separate blanket. Gradually silence steals over camp and sleep comes at last to all except to you, who, perhaps, may be a little more timid than your companions. Yet, what is there to fear? Safe and warm * * * 'neath blanket covers, From a couch of fragrant pine, Dreamily you watch the firelight Thro' the narrow opening shine. Night-wind spirits float around you, Whispering of peace and rest, All things earthly are forgotten Save the truest and the best. But oh, those, great, black shadows that lingered just beyond the camp-fire circle all the evening, advancing and retreating, while somehow your eyes would wan- 26 CAMPING FOR GIRLS der furtively toward them though you joined in your friends' gay repartee — now, after waiting patiently they are creeping nearer as the glowing coals die out. Brighter the stars shine above and the brook-voice sings louder and louder as the stillness grows more and more still. Oh, for a moon ! A distant night bird calls, the lake-waves ripple softly . on the shore — and all these sounds, blending sweetly, sooth even the most wakeful. Your eyes close at last, sleep is almost — I lark ! A twig snaps just without the tent, and wide awake von half arise with fast beating heart, expecting some unknown monster of the wild to come creeping through the opening. Sniff, sniff, sniff — yon can stand it no longer. You whisper to the girl beside you and that whisper passes around. All listen breathless, striving not to wake the weary chaperone. At last one braver than the rest (perhaps it is you after all) ventures to look without, her groping hand strikes some dipper or plate which comes clattering to the ground. A scurry of feet and a dark object disappears into the deeper woods. "What's that?" cries the startled chaperone. No one speaks for — no one knows. Fear is gone, but also is all inclination to sleep, and tdl day dawn low voiced exclamations and suppressed giggles come frequently from huddled heaps of blankets. Bui truly, girls, after one night spent sleeping out of doors you give little heed to midnight visitors (they are harmless, remember), and will rest undisturbed till morning comes. CAMPING FOR GIRLS 2^ Pack away your foods safely before retiring, especially meats, and all will be well. Don't be afraid of the dark or mysterious wood noises. Nothing will harm you. Cure yourselves of all foolish, nervous fears. Insects, like hornets, ants and spiders will not hurt you, and snakes will flee from you faster than you from them. And mice I Girls, girls, if you must be afraid of other wee bits of life, I pray you don't, don't scream and run should a tiny wood mouse cross your path ! Anyway be brave in the presence of this little creature. Don't let the stronger sex laugh at us any more. Conquer this if nothing else. All the wood folk are too busy with their own life duties to mind such an insignificant thing as a human being. They may pause a moment to watch with cu- rious eyes the intruder in their haunts, or pry with searching noses among your provisions, but they will soon pass on and thereafter simply ignore, if unmolested, the stranger who comes to live among them for a time. Hutumn. To the outdoor girl, Nature's bright smiles in her resting-time arc very winning. Those golden days of September, those cloudless, blue skies of October, and lovely Indian summer of \