A canoe should not be left in the water overnight, or at any time when it is not in use. Simply because use makes it wet, a canoe should not be left so any more than a gun should be left dirty, or an ax dull. If on a cruise with a heavy load, pile the stuff on shore at the night camp, and turn the canoe over it. If a canoe is permitted to remain in the water unnecessarily, or its inside exposed to rain, it soon becomes water-soaked and heavy for portage, besides drying out when exposed to the sun, and developing leaks.
Small punctures in the bottom of a canoe may be mended with spruce, tamarack, or pine gum, melted into place with a glowing firebrand, held close, while blowing at the spot to be repaired. Torn rags of canvas-covered bottoms may be glued with the softer gum of new “blazes,” gathered with a knife or flat stick.
While traveling on shallow streams the bottom of a board canoe develops a “fur” of rubbed-up shreds. Every night these should be cut short with a sharp-pointed knife, to prevent a shred from pulling out and developing into a large splinter. The paddles, and the setting pole, unless shod with iron, become burred at the ends and require trimming down to solid wood.
The track line, if in use, is wet most of the time, and unless dried frequently, becomes rotten. Every tracker knows the grave danger with a rotten line in a rapids.
During the winter the canoe should be scraped and sandpapered, bulges nailed down, permanent repairs made to the covering, and the canoe painted on the exterior and varnished on the interior.
The average fisherman is an enthusiast who needs no urging in the matter of caring for his outfit, and the user of firearms should profit by this example. Even if not a shot has been fired from a gun all day, moisture from the hands, or from the dampness in the woods, or marshes, may cause rust spots, or corrode the bore. Rub an oily rag through the bore and over the outside of the gun every evening, before laying it aside.
Cleaning rods are safer and more thorough in cleaning the bore than the common mouse string, which may break when drawing a heavy piece of cloth through, causing much difficulty. A wooden rod, preferably of hickory, is best, although the metal rod is stronger for use in small bores, but care must be taken not to wear the muzzle unduly. The hunting weapons should be carefully overhauled before storing them, and given a coat of oil to protect the metal parts from rust.—A. M. Parker, Edmonton, Can.
Useful Periscope Which a Boy Can Make
Mention of periscopes is quite common in the reports from European battle fields; such a device in a simple form can be made easily by boys who have fair skill with tools. The illustration shows a periscope which may be used for play, and has other practical uses as well. In a store or other place where a person on duty cannot watch all parts of the establishment, such a device is convenient in that it will reflect persons entering the door. As a toy or for experimental purposes the periscope shown has many possibilities, and will appeal to youngsters.
