into trees. The
winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their
energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves._

--_John Muir._

MOUNTAIN CLIMBING

BY ELOISE ROORBACH, GARDEN EDITOR OF "TOUCHSTONE."

Mountain climbing is the final test of a Girl Scout's perseverance in
following a trail, in endurance, courage and woodcraftmanship. Nature
reserves her choicest beauties and secrets for those who know how to
conquer all difficulties. No Girl Scout's education is complete until
she has seen mountain peaks like waves of the sea flashing with white
snow foam, piercing the blue sky as far as the eye can reach; clouds
forming below her feet; breathed rare air found only in high places;
drunk from the pure source of rivers, and heard the mighty roar of
waterfalls. A climb to a high mountain top is an experience that will
enrich and influence the entire after life of whoever has had the
hardihood and wisdom to accomplish it.

Before attempting this last test of scouting the girl must be in perfect
physical trim, be able to sleep on the ground, have learned to live
simply. Girls should train for this experience by taking graduated
hikes. On these hikes the girls can practice using the condensed foods
that must be depended upon in mountain climbing. The rations for those
who wish to climb to high places must necessarily be condensed, for each
Scout must carry her own rations for two weeks.

The foundation of a mountain climber's bill of fare is rice, bacon,
cheese, chocolate, raisins, dates, dried fruits, powdered soups, whole
wheat crackers, and tea. _Tea should be used instead of coffee._ The
eating chocolate is sometimes made into a refreshing drink. Only a small
amount of sugar and salt can be carried. This fare is augmented by
mushrooms, wild fruit and berries and fish. Watercress is a refreshing
addition and a good Scout knows where to find it. Some hardened climbers
add a little "jerky" (dried meats) to this bill of fare.

No definite rule of distance to be covered in a day can be laid down. In
the high mountains ten or twelve miles a day should be considered a
maximum, for part of the benefit to be gained from such trips is the
enjoyment of the trip itself. It is better to go a few miles slowly,
observing keenly all the time, stopping for frequent rests to examine a
flower, to drink at a clear spring, to feast upon the view, than to
cove