You will find it is a good plan, as fast as you think of a thing that
you want to take, to note it on your memorandum; and, in order to avoid
delay or haste, to cast your eyes over the list occasionally to see that
the work of preparation is going on properly. It is a good plan to
collect all of your baggage into one place as fast as it is ready; for
if it is scattered you are apt to lose sight of some of it, and start
without it.

As fast as you get your things ready, mark your name on them: mark every
thing. You can easily cut a stencil-plate out of an old postal card, and
mark with a common shoe-blacking brush such articles as tents, poles,
boxes, firkins, barrels, coverings, and bags.

Some railroads will not check barrels, bags, or bundles, nor take them
on passenger trains. Inquire beforehand, and send your baggage ahead if
the road will not take it on your train.

Estimate the expenses of your trip, and take more money than your
estimate. Carry also an abundance of small change.

Do not be in a hurry to spend money on new inventions. Every year
there is put upon the market some patent knapsack, folding stove,
cooking-utensil, or camp trunk and cot combined; and there are always
for sale patent knives, forks, and spoons all in one, drinking-cups,
folding portfolios, and marvels of tools. Let them all alone: carry your
pocket-knife, and if you can take more let it be a sheath or butcher
knife and a common case-knife.

Take iron or cheap metal spoons.