Lay off the dimensions given at H on the selected color of cover paper, which in this instance is plum, and score the lines indicated. Spread paste smoothly over the surface of the plum paper, between the lines drawn ³⁄₈ in. from the long edges, and then spread a thin layer of paste over the outer surface of one of the sides of the box. Apply the paper to the pasted surface and press it down, rubbing gently out from the center to remove air bubbles. Fold the ³⁄₈-in. laps at the top and bottom over the upper edge of the box and around the lower corner. Repeat this process, covering the four sides. To form a smooth fold at the corners, it is best to miter the paper as shown at J and K, before pasting it down. Then paste a square of the same paper 4⁷⁄₈ in. wide on the bottom of the box, taking care to match the edges evenly all around.
Line the box with a strip of lining paper, 20 in. long and 4 in. wide. Try the lining by folding it into the box so that its upper edge is about ¹⁄₈ in. from the edge of the box, and crease it carefully into the corners. Remove it, apply paste, and press it well into the corners when pasting it down. Paste a square of the same paper, 4⁷⁄₈ in wide, in the bottom of the box.
The cover is made by the same process as the main portion of the box. The dimensions of the cardboard are shown at L, and the covering at M. It should be observed that the cover is slightly wider than the box, so that it will fit easily.
When the box is thoroughly dry, it is ready to receive the decorations on the top and sides. The design may be adapted from a leaf, flower, or similar form, as well as from geometric or animal forms. The horse and rider, the parrot, and the animals shown in the headpiece of this article are all suggestive of animal forms that are available.
The design shown on the box in [Fig. 7] was adapted from a flower form, two of the units being joined for the decoration on the top. To obtain a pattern for the design, fold a piece of paper, 2 by 4 in., as shown at N, and outline one-half of a leaf, flower or similar motif. Cut the folded paper as at O, and a pattern similar to that shown at P results. Trace around this to place the figure on the box. Outline the figure with black, about ¹⁄₈ in. wide, as at Q. The oval figures, suggestive of small pods on a flower, are also outlined in black, and joined to the main portion of the design by a black line. Thinner black lines are drawn vertically across the form, and small circles placed along them at intervals. The color scheme is shown in [Fig. 8]. The light background is yellow, the small circles are emerald-green, and the ovals red-orange. The rim of the cover is decorated with a border of white ovals, outlined in black. The corners are banded in black and white as shown in [Fig. 7].
Care and Storage of Camp Equipment
A slovenly sportsman misses much of the joy of the man who takes pride in giving his outfit the proper care, not only during its period of use, but also during the winter, when occasional overhauling serves to keep one in touch with sports of other seasons. And a very real joy it is, each article recalling an experience as one examines it minutely for a possible rust spot, scratch, or injury.
Tents usually come in for much abuse, which shortens their life considerably. Cotton duck molds quickly, and rots if left rolled up damp. Care should be taken, therefore, to insure its perfect dryness before storing. Silk and silk-composition tents, being thoroughly waterproof, are almost as dry after a rain or dew as before, so may be packed for moving at any time. But all tents and tarpaulins should be washed and dried carefully after the season’s use.
Blankets absorb much moisture, and should be shaken and spread out over bushes to dry in the sun, at least once a week. In the cold nights of late summer, the increased warmth of blankets after drying is considerable.
Pack straps and ropes should not be left exposed to the weather. They speedily become hard or brittle; squirrels like the salt they can obtain by chewing the leather, and if left on the ground in a rabbit country, the straps are soon cut into bits. Hang the leather goods in the peak of the tent, keep them away from fire, and oil them occasionally.