Starting Fires
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Part IStarting FiresFirst a curl of birch bark dry as it can be, Fuzz-Stick (1). Every hiker or camper may test his skill with a knife by trying to whittle a fuzz-stick. All that is required is a piece of dry wood (preferably soft), a sharp knife, and a little skill in using it. Point the end of a piece of wood about a foot long and an inch thick. Holding the pointed end, rest the other end against something solid (not your leg, unless you have a first aid kit handy), and whittle long thin shavings, leaving them attached to the stick. The trick of whittling so that the shavings remain on the stick can be easily accomplished ; pull up on the stick, and cut a little deeper as you near the end of the cut. Fuzz-Stick Substitutes (2). Hikers without sharp knives and without ability to whittle (the woods are full of them) must use a substitute for a fuzz-stick. Gather a large handful of very small, bone-dry twigs, plant stalks, or weed tops, at least a foot long. Break off both ends of the bundle so that the sticks are of about the same length, and crack the middle across your knee. Hold the halves at an angle of about forty-five degrees, and with the ends scratch a depression in the ground so that the twig wigwam will stand rigidly. 1. What is the objection to starting a fire with paper or leaves? Did you ever see a real woodsman do it? 2. How are the lives of birch trees endangered when children are taught to start fires with birch bark? 3. What hardwoods are suitable for whittling fuzz-Sticks?
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Last modified: October 15, 2016.