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The SCIENTIFIC
AMERICAN BOY
OR
The Camp at Willow Clump Island
By
A. RUSSELL BOND
NEW YORK
MUNN & CO., Publishers
1906
COPYRIGHT, 1905, BY
MUNN & CO., NEW YORK
PRESS OF
THE KALKHOFF COMPANY
NEW YORK
PREFACE
All boys are nature lovers. Nothingappeals to them more than a summervacation in the woods where they canescape from the restraints of civilizationand live a life of freedom. Now, it may appear to bea bit of presumption to attempt to advise the boycamper how to spend his time. Surely the novelty ofoutdoor life, the fascinating charm of his surroundings,will provide him plenty of entertainment.
But, after all, a camp generally affords but twomajor amusements, hunting and fishing. These havebeen fully covered by a vast number of books. However,there is another side of camp life, particularly ina boys’ camp, which has been very little dealt with,namely, the exercise of one’s ingenuity in creatingout of the limited resources at hand such devices andarticles as will add to one’s personal comfort andwelfare. It is, therefore, the aim of this book to1suggest certain diversions of this character for the boycamper which, aside from affording him plenty ofphysical exercise, will also develop his mental faculties,and above all stimulate that natural genius which ischaracteristic of every typical American boy. To thisend the story contains descriptions of a large collectionof articles which can be made by any boy of averageintelligence, not only in the camp but at home aswell.
The use of a narrative to connect the various incidentsmarks a departure in this class of book, and it isbelieved that the matter will thus be made morerealistic and interesting. In all cases full directionsare given for making the various articles. While it isnot presumed that the directions will be slavishlyfollowed, for this would defeat the general aim of thework, yet all the principal dimensions are given sothat they can be used, if desired.
I beg to acknowledge the courtesy of Mr. Daniel C.Beard and Mr. Henry D. Cochrane in supplying anumber of photographs. The directions for makingthe lee boards (page 119) were obtained from data2furnished by the latter. Many of the details recordedin the chapter on Tramping Outfits are to be accreditedto Mr. Edward Thorpe. In the preparation of thisbook I have received valuable assistance from mycolleague, Mr. A. A. Hopkins.
A. RUSSELL BOND