
CHAPTER I Overwork And Recreation—Outing And Outers—How To Do It, And Why They Miss It
CHAPTER II Knapsack, Hatchet, Knives, Tinware, Fishing Tackle, Rods, Ditty-bag
CHAPTER III Getting Lost—Camping Out—Roughing It Or Smoothing It—Insects—Camps, And How To Make Them
CHAPTER IV Campfires And Their Importance—The Wasteful Wrong Way They Are Usually Made, And The Right Way To Make Them
CHAPTER V Fishing, With And Without Flies—Some Tackle And Lures—Discursive Remarks On The Gentle Art—The Headlight—Frogging
CHAPTER VI Camp Cookery—How It Is Usually Done, With A Few Simple Hints On Plain Cooking—Cooking Fire And Outdoor Range
CHAPTER VII More Hints On Cooking, With Some Simple Receipts—Bread, Potatoes, Soups, Stews, Beans, Fish, Meat, Venison
CHAPTER VIII A Ten Days' Trip In The Wilderness—Going It Alone
CHAPTER IX The Light Canoe And Double Blade—Various Canoes For Various Canoeists—Reasons For Preferring The Clinker-Built Cedar
CHAPTER X Odds And Ends—Where To Go For An Outing—Why A Clinker?—Boughs And Browse
In an age where the relentless pace of industry leaves many exhausted, this compact guide offers a quiet invitation to step away from the grind and rediscover the restorative power of the woods. Written for the everyday laborer rather than the affluent gentleman adventurer, it blends thoughtful reflection on the hazards of overwork with a sincere love of forests, streams, and open sky. The author argues that even a brief seasonal escape can revive both body and spirit, urging readers to value simplicity over extravagance.
The manual proceeds to share hard‑won lessons from half a century of camping, emphasizing light, economical gear and sensible planning. Readers will find clear advice on choosing the right campsite, handling equipment without excess, and moving through water and wilderness with confidence. Its tone is friendly and pragmatic, making the art of woodcraft accessible to anyone willing to trade a few city comforts for fresh air and quiet evenings by the fire.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (205K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2008-02-11
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1821–1890
Known to generations of campers as “Nessmuk,” this 19th-century outdoors writer helped shape the American tradition of lightweight canoe travel and simple life in the woods. His lively, practical books mixed hard-earned skill with a real delight in wild places.
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