Maps
The maps of the U. S. Geological Survey are drawn to a scale of 2 in. to the mile and cost 5 cents each. On the back of each map are printed the symbols showing the character of the land, the contours, roads, and all important rivers and lakes in the district. For convenience, the map should be pasted on a backing of cotton cloth and then cut up into handy sections. Number the sections from left to right and paste a key to the pieces on the back of one of them.
Natural Signs
When traveling through underbrush the woodsman cannot see far ahead, and so lays a true course by noting the position of the sun. For example, here in the northern hemisphere the sun rises just south of east and sets somewhere south of due west. Therefore, if a person is going north, he should keep the sun on the back and to the right shoulder in the morning hours; full on the back at noon, and on the back and over the left shoulder throughout the afternoon.
If the day is cloudy, set the point of a knife blade on the thumb nail, twist it around until the full shadow is cast on the nail, thus indicating the position of the sun.
The direction of the wind is apt to change and for this reason is an unreliable guide, while the so-called signs of the woods, such as the tips of evergreen trees pointing north, bark being thicker on the north side of trees, or moss growing thicker on the north side of the trees, are by no means to be depended upon. There is absolutely nothing in these signs. However, every woodsman is aware that the foliage of trees grows somewhat thicker on the south side, and that the branches are rather shorter and more knotty on the north side, but these and other signs are scarcely infallible, and if they were, few tenderfeet would recognize them.
When traveling by night, look for the Big Dipper or Great Bear, as the two end stars are known as the pointers, pointing to the north star.
Marking the Trail
When traveling over old and blind trails, look for the old blaze marks, and if doubtful about them, make new ones by breaking down the brushes every 15 or 20 ft., the bent part pointing in the direction of travel. If a road is encountered, it is easy to tell if it is a tote or logging road, for tote roads are crooked and wind about the trees and rocks, while the logging road is fairly straight and broad. Of course, tote roads lead nowhere in particular, but all logging roads are sure to come to a fork and lead to water. When breaking a new trail, blaze it by taking a single clip from a tree from the side it is approached, and on the opposite side make two blazes, indicating the way from the camp. If this is done, a person will always know the way back if the trail is crossed from side to side. This is the rule of the wilderness, but is not always observed to the letter, for many woodsmen blaze their trail by clipping the trees as they pass them. Be sure to blaze your own trail correctly, and when you come to a place where two roads or trails fork, set a stick to indicate the right direction.