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173 Woodcraft Manual for Girls Roof Camping and Gardening In our big cities where land is so valuable that an acre com- rionly brings millions of dollars, we have lonr^ been pinched for playgrounds, and Woodcraft pursuits seem out of the question. All the cry of overstocked cities is for light and space. And with all this need, we have long shut our eyes to a most obvious and abundant supply. In New York, congested New York, for example, there are thousands of acres of open sunlight, well- ventilated unused space, which a very slight acquaintance v ith Oriental or Occidental nations would have taught us to use. We refer to tlie flat roofs of the houses. In Greater New York, these must amount to nearly ten thousand acres; half at least of this oflFers good chances for roof camps or raof gardens. A roof camp is now being considered under the guidance of the Woodcraft League. It has first a parapet all about, then a higher wall of strong mesh wire. Along one side is a row of small " dog " tents. In a brazier, secure in the middle of a stone hearth, is a fire. An elevator nearby, affords a quick trip to the swimming tank in the basement. Some semblance of verdure is offered by vines and trailers in boxes; and thus, a hundred feet above the street, the boys or girls are in another world, and can dress and live much as in camp. Many Uttle experiments are now being made to utiUze these waste spaces ; roof gardens are very possible to-day ; flowers, fruit, and vegetables can be grown successfully, and even bird sanctu- aries are being attempted. These are not yet a success; but it seems likely that, with food, drink, shelter, protection, and nesting boxes supplied, we could in time induce some acceptable birds to found their little colonies in such places. English sparrows and starlings would doubtless be the first to respond, but there are some reasons for expecting success also with swallows, martins, nighthawks, sjmrrowhawks, screech-owls, pigeons, etc. ; while some v, 'stern species like the crimson house-finch might be brought in on trial. The whole field is open at present and almost unexplored, but it seems to be one of unusual promise. Individual Tally Book Every Woodcraft Girl should have an Individual Tally Book and notebook. Nothing adds so much to future enjoyment as such a record of achievements, exploits, and knowledge; to say