"; fronts of substantial
French calf; heel one inch high, with steel nails; countered outside;
straps narrow, of fine French calf put on "astraddle," and set down to
the top of the back. The out-sole stout, Spanish oak and pegged rather
than sewed, although either is good. They will weigh considerably less
than half as much as the clumsy, costly boots usually recommended for
the woods; and the added comfort must be tested to be understood.

The hat should be fine, soft felt with moderately low crown and wide
brim; color to match the clothing.

The proper covering for head and feet is no slight affair and will be
found worth some attention. Be careful that the boots are not too
tight, or the hat too loose. The above rig will give the tourist one
shirt, one pair of drawers and a pair of socks to carry as extra
clothing. A soft, warm blanket-bag, open at the ends and just long
enough to cover the sleeper, with an oblong square of waterproofed
cotton cloth 6x8 feet, will give warmth and shelter by night and will
weigh together five or six pounds. This, with the extra clothing, will
make about eight pounds of dry goods to pack over carries, which is
enough. Probably, also, it will be found little enough for comfort.

During a canoe cruise across the Northern Wilderness in the late
summer, I met many parties at different points in the woods and the
amount of unnecessary duffle with which they encumbered themselves was
simply appalling. Why a shrewd business man, who goes through with a
guide and makes a forest hotel his camping ground nearly every night,
should handicap himself with a five-peck pack basket full of gray
woolen and gum blankets, extra clothing, pots, pans and kettles, with a
9 pound 10-bore and two rods--yes, and an extra pair of heavy boots
hanging astride of the gun-well, it is one of the things I shall never
understand. My own load, including canoe, extra clothing, blanket-bag,
two days' rations, pocket-axe, rod and knapsack, never exceeded 26
pounds; and I went prepared to camp out any and every night.

People who contemplate an outing in the woods are pretty apt to
commence preparations a long way ahead and to pick up many trifling
articles that suggest themselves as useful and handy in camp; all well
enough in their way, but making at least a too heavy load. It is better
to commence by studying to ascertain just how light one can go through
without especial discomfort. A good plan is to think over the