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Foreword
IF you love the out-of-doors,
this book was written for you, to crystallize and bring into reality that
vague longing which you have felt for a lodge in the wilderness. Somewhere
the trail has led you to the ideal spot in the deep forest, by the shores of
a smiling lake or within sound of the murmuring waters.
Wherever you may choose to
dwell in the woods, there will be found abundant material for a log cabin,
and a day's work will bring results big with pleasure and healthy enjoyment,
for even the temporary sojourner in the wilderness cannot turn to better
employment than that which will give him a home of his own handiwork.
This you will own with a new
sense of proprietorship that hitherto you have not known. Work of your
hands, your pride in its possession will increase with the improvements
suggested by its occupancy from year to year.
We have purposely avoided the
elaborate log structures, which by courtesy are called camps, for they are
beyond the ability of the amateur to construct, had he ever so much time at
his command. When you desire something more than is here shown, consult an
architect, and for the building of it, by all means "let" the job.
The designs which are given
have all been built and allow of numberless alterations to suit the whims
and requirements of the builder. This much you are sure of: from the first
your cabin will have the charm of a home, it will nestle among the trees
like a real companion of the forest, though nature must have a few seasons
in which to "creep up to the doorsill and wipe away the scars of man's hasty
building."
The methods of construction
given are those of a thorough workman, though the operations may be greatly
curtailed, especially in the smaller camps. A perusal of even the elaborate
building directions will by no means daunt you. To have your home in the
woods only two things are necessary, the time and the will.
In my own experience I have
often wished for such a book as this, and I feel fortunate indeed in the
friendship of Air. D. L. Annis, of Sebec, Maine, to whose interested and
practical tutoring I owe my knowledge of Log Cabin building.
Some years ago I contributed
a couple of articles (which are incorporated in this book) on the subject to
the magazine Field and Stream. The instant response indicated a need for the
information contained herein. For that reason these pages were written
during my leisure time in the woods and I send them out tried and tested.
Not the least important part
of the book are the photographs, and in this connection I must acknowledge
with pleasure my indebtedness for the valuable help afforded me by Mr.
Harrie B. Coe, of Portland, Maine; Hon. Carter Harrison, of Chicago; Mr.
George W. Kirkner, of New York; Mr. N. W. McNaughton, of Schoodic, and Mr.
M. J. Marr, of Indian River, Maine, in supplying many of the photographs of
their delightful Wilderness homes.
Contents
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