That was the end of it; the being made sport of by my own friends, and hearing the small boys in our street sing out “How’s your cart?” and to be known all through life perhaps as “one-horse John”—­the punishment would be too severe.

But, my young friends, I made a great mistake; and I want to caution you not to surrender to any such nonsense as I did.  If you wish to go to sea in a skiff, it is well to give in to a fisherman’s advice to stay at home, for he can assure you that winds and waves will be the death of you; but if you have a good hand-wagon, and are willing to stand a few taunts, by all means go on your walk, and pull your wagon after you.  You will learn a lesson in independence that will be of value to you, if you learn nothing else.

FOOTNOTES: 

[27] How to Do It.  Published by Roberts Brothers, Boston.

CHAPTER XIII.

HYGIENIC NOTES.

[This chapter is taken in full from a work on ornithology, written by Dr. Coues of the Smithsonian Institution.  It is the advice of an accomplished naturalist and sportsman to his fellow-naturalists, but is equally adapted to the young camper.  Hardly any one can write more understandingly on the subjects here presented than the doctor, who has had long experience with the army, both in the field and garrison, and is an enthusiastic student of natural history besides.  The remarks upon alcoholic stimulants are especially recommended to the reader, coming as they do from an army officer, and not a temperance reformer.

Those who wish to become familiar with the details of bird-collecting will find a treasure in the doctor’s book, “Field Ornithology, comprising a Manual of Instruction for procuring, preparing, and preserving Birds; and a check list of North American Birds.  By Dr. Elliott Coues, U.S.A.  Salem:  Naturalists’ Agency.”]

ACCIDENTS.

The secret of safe climbing is never to relax one hold until another is secured; it is in spirit equally applicable to scrambling over rocks, a particularly difficult thing to do safely with a loaded gun.  Test rotten, slippery, or otherwise suspicious holds, before trusting them.  In lifting the body up anywhere, keep the mouth shut, breathe through the nostrils, and go slowly.

In swimming waste no strength unnecessarily in trying to stem a current; yield partly, and land obliquely lower down; if exhausted, float:  the slightest motion of the hands will ordinarily keep the face above water; in any event keep your wits collected.  In fording deeply, a heavy stone [in the hands, above water] will strengthen your position.

Never sail a boat experimentally:  if you are no sailor, take one with you, or stay on land.