After a little practice in map reading one becomes proficient and he will be able if in unsurveyed territory to make his own map. Get the compass directions from the camp of every prominent landmark with particular attention to streams and the ridges separating them. If one is out exploring it is a good idea to climb to the summit of some bare faced promontory and there study the topography of the country:--the location of the lakes, swamps, whither the streams run, the number and direction of the ridges, etc. The mental map thus made will be vastly useful later on. In traveling over hilly or mountainous country follow the courses at the heights of land. It shortens the way for if the streams are followed one may have to cross many tributaries and make long detours. THE COMPASS AND ITS USES For the average woods hiker a compass is a necessity in laying out the course of travel. Men whose business keeps them in the wilderness seldom carry the instruments but in them is developed to a high degree the bump of locality--that instinct that points the way--coupled with trained observation of land signs along the trail. Consult the compass often, otherwise you may swing so far from your course in going only a short distance that you will be inclined to doubt its accuracy. In choosing a compass one need not go beyond the price of two dollars for a serviceable and accurate instrument. The size is not so important, a ¾ to 1½ inch dial is large enough for sportsmen. The needle or pointer should have an agate bearing or jewel firmly set in the brass cap and to be accurately balanced on the fine tempered or pointed pivot. It is very important to have the box water-proofed else the needle will stick. The principle in use comprehends the presence of a theoretical magnetic North Pole located northwest of Hudson’s Bay which attracts the blue end of the compass needle from all parts of the northern hemisphere causing it to point in that direction. Should one wish to lay a fairly accurate course, have both hands at liberty, hold the compass in both hands at half arm’s length from body with elbows resting against your sides so as to bring the compass in direct line with the center of your body. To settle the needle quickly tip the compass until the end of the needle touches the glass to check the vibrations. Repeat this quickly two or three times as needle passes the center of the arc it is making. Then carefully level the box to stop the needle from vibrating. When the needle swings free and finally stops the compass can be easily turned until the letter _N_ is under the blue end of the needle and then one has all parts of direction. It is well to remember that the needle is affected by proximity to iron and steel.