Teaching Choral Concepts

Review

     The Best of Woodsmoke provides new approaches and time-tested methods for the novice, and sound, practical help for the experienced outdoorsman.

     Instead of the usual survival-in-a-kit approach, this book presents the reader with an "over the shoulder" view of the aboriginal life style. The authors give detailed advice on such diverse subjects as building an authentic wickiup; primitive fire-making; locating water in the desert; constructing a stone axe: deadfall trapping techniques; primitive fishing; collecting wild yeast; the complete use of the deer; surviving a blizzard; making a hot bed, and much, much more.

     Each chapter gives easy-to-understand instructions. Nowhere will you find a more authoritative selection of hows and whys. In addition to the easy-to-grasp style which will help you master the skills, a complete index helps make this book a valuable study guide.

     By the time you have read a few pages of Woodsmoke, you will become aware that it is unique. No shortcuts are offered, because primitive survival is an art; no arm-chair research is included, because the authors are totally immersed in their skills.

     The articles for this book were carefully chosen for the student who has just discovered an interest in primitive skills; for the instructor who is searching for time-tested methods; for the hunter or fisherman who enjoys all outdoor activities; for the hobbyist who prides himself on new discoveries; and most particularly, for the person who has a desire to "live" the peaceful and unaffected life style of the aborigine, by manufacturing one's needs from what nature is willing to provide, by tempering one's desires, and by learning to ignore the modern measure of time and accept the timelessness of necessity.

Table of Contents

1. A Parable, 13

2. The Use of Pitch, 16
Collecting Material, 16
Technique, 18
Waterproofing, 20
Bandaids, 20
Fire Starting, 20
Torches, 21

3. The Wickiup, 22
The Nature of Shelter, 22
The Brush and Pole Wickiup, 24
Aboriginal Values and Comforts, 28
Variations of the Basic Wickiup, 29
The Ready-Made Abode, 31
The Sagebrush Wickiup, 32
Fires for Warmth and Cooking, 32
The Essence of Survival, 35

4. I Wonder Where the Water Is?, 37
Recognizing Our Water Needs, 37
Water Indicators, 38
Build a Seep Hole, 41
Water Is Your First Priority, 41
Take Necessary Precautions, 43

5. Surviving "Solo", 44

6. Keep a Fine Grind and a Level Bevel, 48
Obtaining a Flat, Sharp Edge, 48
Choosing a Sharpening Stone, 51
Knife Safety, 51

7. Surviving a Blizzard With Only a Blanket, 52
Triangle Blanket Wrap (illustration), 57

8. Surviving Winter Hazards, 60
Carry a Winter Survival Kit, 62

9. Nature's Yeast, 64
The Finished Product, 66
Wild Starter Experimentation, 67
Additional Sources of Wild Yeast, 68

10. The Hot Coal Bed, 69

11. Deadfall Trapping, 71
Deadfalls, 71
Trapline Procedures, 72
Triggers, 72
Bait, 72
Setting the Traps, 73
Deadfall Traps (Illustrations), 74

12. A Soft Bed in the Woods, 77

13. The Stone Axe, 80
Selection of Materials, 81
Manufacturing Process, 82
Axes and Hammerheads, 84
Willow-wrap Haft, 87
The Celt Axe Handle, 90

14. Primitive Fishing, 92
Hook and Line Fishing, 93
Fishing Small Waterways, 94
The Fish Trap, 94

15. The Art of Making Arrowheads, 97
Raw Materials, 97
The Flintknapper's Tools, 99
Percussion Flaking, 101
Pressure Flaking, 102
Advanced Techniques, 105
Acknowledgments, 107

16. Troubleshooting: Bow and Drill Fires, 109
Selection of Materials, 110
Preparing the Materials, 110
Technique, 112
Careful Handling and Perseverance, 117
Bow-Drill Fire Troubleshooter's Chart, 119

17. A Primitive Hand Fire-Drill, 121
Collecting Materials, 121
Mastering the Technique, 125
Helpful Hints, 125

18. A Deer is More Than Venison on the Table, 126
The Modern Hunting Ethic, 126
Respect for the Prey, 128
Use of the Deer Skin, 129
Rawhide, 131
Buckskin, 131
Use of the Tail, Ears, Feet and Eyes, 133
Meat on the Table, 134
Innards, 135
Antlers, 136
Bone, 136
The Aboriginal Ethic, 137
Illustrations, 138

19. Wilderness Cordage, 142
Gathering Materials, 143
Extracting the Fibers, 145
Technique, 145
Sinew Cordage, 147

20. Surviving Mentally, 148
Mental Obstacles, 148
Physical Reactions, 148
Emotional States, 149
Survival Training, 149

21. Basics of Keeping Warm, 151
Campsite Selection is Important, 152
Wear Adequate Clothing, 152
Utilize Sleeping Fires, 153
Gather Plenty of Insulation, 154
Use Rocks to Reflect Heat, 154
Huddle for Warmth, 154

Index, 156

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