Stránka:roll 1931.djvu/227

Handicrafts 211 get at once the ancient spirit of the woods—the democratic equalization of responsibility and of honor. I do not feel that any camp can get the best results without a Council Ring, no matter what organization it may belong to. I have made 86 of these personally, and that means partly Lian of Council & nr APIRE} eee at least with my dwn hands, and have been responsible for the building of many more. These are the essentials :—a dry, level, beautiful place in the woods, not more than a quarter of a mile from head- quarters, and out of sound of the kitchen. It must be at least forty feet across—that allows for the open circle in the middle of twenty-four feet across. Having selected the exact spot, take a 12-foot cord; drive in the stake at the probable center, then try the 12-foot radius from it until you have found the spot that will destroy the fewest trees, and call for least labor in leveling. Set out a dozen or more stakes to mark the rim of. this 24-foot circle. Now begin with axe, spade, etc., to make this absolutely level—as level as a tennis court, because it 1s used for danc- ing and performances. If you have no other, you can make a level out of a saucer full of water set on a 10-foot board. The earth cut off the high places is usually enough to level up the low places. | At one side should be the “Council Rock” against one or more big trees, if possible, or a high rock. The Council Rock is usually a plank seat 15 inches high and 8 feet