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First published in 1881, this complete and illustrated guide is a fascinating treasure trove of knowledge for anyone interested in wilderness survival, trapping, and outdoor adventure. With its rich content covering everything from catching tigers and bears to trapping squirrels and mice, this timeless book offers both practical advice and historical insight into the techniques used by outdoorsmen of the late 19th century.
Among the many treasures within this guide are easy-to-follow plans for constructing dozens of different types of traps, ensuring that you’re equipped to catch a wide range of animals, whether you’re in need of food or simply honing your survival skills. Additionally, the book provides full directions for building essential structures such as shanties, log cabins, boats, and canoes—skills that are indispensable for long-term wilderness living.
Beyond trapping and shelter construction, this guide is packed with invaluable advice on a wide array of survival topics:
- Food and Cooking Utensils: Discover practical tips for selecting and using the right cooking tools, as well as preparing and preserving food in the wild.
- Curing and Tanning Fur Skins: Learn traditional methods for curing and tanning furs, transforming your catches into usable materials for clothing and other purposes.
- Camping and Hiking Tips: From selecting the right campsite to dealing with common outdoor challenges, this guide covers the basics and beyond for a successful and comfortable outdoor experience.
The book also offers a wealth of unique and quirky tidbits that add character to this classic guide:
- Smear oil of cumin on a wolf’s trail to lure it to your trap.
- Repel mosquitoes with oil from pennyroyal plant leaves.
- Manage expectations—don’t count on catching a fox on the first try.
- Combat a skunk’s odor using chloride of lime.
- Use a rabbit’s love of salt to entice it into a trap.
- Make homemade flypaper out of molasses or spruce gum.
This captivating book is not just a practical manual but also a historical gem, offering a glimpse into the outdoor practices and survival strategies of a bygone era. Whether you’re a hiker, camper, survivalist, or simply someone who loves the outdoors, this guide is a timeless and invaluable addition to your library, offering skills and knowledge that have been passed down through generations.
