Camping and camp cooking

by Frank A. Bates

Simple cuts sometimes become inflamed, and should, then, be kept wet with cold water bandages. If a disinfectant is needed, Seiler’s Antiseptic Tablets are preferable to either Carbolic Acid or Corrosive Sublimate, both of which are exceedingly dangerous.

Burns and scalds should be bandaged and kept wet with cold water. A poultice of scraped raw potato will relieve inflammation. Sprinkle flour over the surface of the wound. Especially remember that it is needful to keep the air from the inflamed surface, therefore do not remove the bandages often. For Sunburn, apply linseed oil and limewater (Carron-oil). Bruises and sprains should be treated with hot water, applied with a cloth as hot as can be borne. I have used Haynes’ Arabian Balsam for many years and it has seldom failed. It works more quickly than the hot water and is more convenient when on a tramp.

Blistered feet are a nuisance and may generally be avoided by using proper foot-wear and ordinary attention to cleanliness. If a blister come, prick it, wash with hot water and cover with a tallowed cloth. Rub the inside of the sock with dry soap.

For choking, a sharp blow between the shoulders will usually dislodge the obstruction. If a fishbone lodges, which cannot be reached, swallow a bit of dry bread. A gargle of vinegar is said to soften a fishbone, but I have never tried it.

Stings and bites of insects are more troublesome than dangerous, and the irritation will generally be alleviated by salt and water. Pennyroyal leaves will allay irritation and also keep away the pests.

Ivy or dogwood poison will generally yield to any astringent wash like soda or ashes. An infusion of the leaves and twigs of the Spicebush, when it can be obtained, will cure the worst case. For inflamed eyes, use hot water bandages.

Nosebleed can generally be stopped by dashing cold water on the back of the neck. If serious, plug the nostrils to form a clot; but see that the blood does not run down the throat to cause suffocation. If the case is obstinate, put the feet in a pail of warm water and add hot water to it until it is unbearable.

Among the digestive troubles, disturbance of the bowels due to change of water and diet is the most common. In the case of constipation, a good dose of physic, followed by plenty of fresh water, will generally suffice. For this purpose a dose of Salts is as good as anything. Or mix a teaspoonful of Cream of Tartar with as much sugar, put in a glass of water, stir it well and drink. If taken before breakfast or on an empty stomach, relief will ensue in a short time. If the bowels are loose, a dose of Rhubarb will generally suffice as well as for the contrary condition. The principal point to be gained in any case of bowel disturbance is to clear the tract of any fermenting matter. If a diarrhœa becomes troublesome, make an infusion of blackberry vines and roots. I have found the running variety best. But be very careful not to check too quickly or a worse condition may be induced.

Occasionally a case of ptomaine poisoning appears, which may be caused by canned goods, especially if you are not careful to empty the can at once. Clear the bowels thoroughly and feed on milk and eggs for a day. If the patient does not recover at once, consult a doctor.

Headache is generally due to a disordered stomach, but may be induced by a cold or by getting over-heated. In the first case a dose of physic, and a good night’s sleep, will effect a cure; the ordinary treatment for a cold will fix the second; and in the last case, pack the head in ice or very cold water. If the patient gets stupid and breathless, take him into the shade, strip the upper body, douche the head with cold water and fan vigorously to induce respiration.