business.

Make a stout canvas bag to hold the tent-pins; and do not fold them
loose with the tent, as it soils and wears out the cloth.


BEST SIZE OF TENTS.

The majority of people who go into permanent camp prefer tents
considerably larger than the army wall-tent; but, unless your camp is
well sheltered from the wind, you will have constant and serious
troubles during every gale and thunder-storm, if you are in a large or
high tent. A large tent is certainly more comfortable in fine weather;
but you can make a small one sufficiently cheerful, and have a sense of
security in it that you cannot feel in one larger. But, if you will have
a large tent, make it of something heavier than drilling.

If you have two tents of the same height, you can connect the tops with
a pole, and throw a fly, blanket, or sheet over it on pleasant days.

Do not pack away a tent when it is damp if you can possibly avoid it, as
it will mildew and decay in a few days of warm weather. If you are
compelled to pack it when very damp, you can prevent decay by salting it
liberally inside and out.

Before you put away your tent for the season be sure that it is
perfectly dry, and that the dead flies and grasshoppers are swept out of
the inside. You should have a stout bag to keep it in, and to prevent
its being chafed and soiled when it is handled and carried. You will
find a hundred good uses for the bag in camp.