Black Coffee—(Café noir): Have a percolator or large strainer; put in one cupful of ground coffee to each quart of water. Have the water boiling and pour it slowly through the percolator. The surface of the water should be just above the coffee in the strainer, when the allowance is in the pot. Keep it hot, but do not let it boil. A good strainer is made of a piece of gauze sewn on to a ring of wire a little larger than the mouth of the pot. Keep the pot covered tightly.
Gloria:—Make the same as café noir. Sweeten well and pour a little fine brandy over the bowl of a spoon, into each cup. Set fire to the spirit, and when half consumed blow out the fire and drink. A good quality of brandy must be used or it will not blaze.
Tea:—Use a teaspoonful of tea to each cup. Have the water boiling, and use fresh water. Put the tea in the pot and pour the water over it. Let it set for a few minutes, in a warm place, to “draw.”
And now, in the hopes that these records of camp experiences may save some unlucky wight, who spoils the dinner because he did not know how to cook, from the “cobbing” that he richly deserves, we will close with the line of the poet who had just had a square meal:
“—But where is the man who can live without dining.”
APPENDIX
SICKNESS IN CAMP
This subject was not forgotten in the design of this little camp companion, but the danger from the administration of drugs by incompetent hands is great, and the author felt that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, and something that should be avoided. However, some of the readers have expressed opinions in the matter, and requested its insertion. In the preparation of a new edition of the book, a good opportunity presented itself, and a little advice is herewith offered. The author still advises that a physician be consulted, if it be possible, not only on account of the danger of taking a wrong medicine or too much of a proper one, but because few people are really competent to make a proper diagnosis.
In the list of supplies, a harmless laxative and a convenient stimulant, both familiar to every one, were included. In the majority of cases, these, with plenty of hot or cold water, will suffice for a remedy until proper medical advice can be obtained. It is considered only common sense that a convalescent or semi-invalid would come provided with remedies furnished by his medical adviser; but it is the unexpected that confronts us, and it is hoped that the same common sense may be used in such cases.
Illness in camp is generally due to one of three causes: injuries, disturbances of the digestive functions, or exposure. In the first case, accidents are generally due to carelessness, and perhaps in the other cases the same fact may be true; so, perhaps, the advice to observe proper precautions and KEEP WELL, may be thoroughly applicable.
Dislocations and broken bones are the province of the surgeon; but if the reader thinks he will ever need the knowledge, “First Aid to the Injured” is easily acquired before leaving for camp.