Modern Conveniences

THE modern vacation retreat is not, like the pioneer cabin after which it may have been pat­terned, devoid of all conveniences usually associated with present-day living. Although it is desirable to leave traffic uproar, house-to-house canvassers, and corner lunchrooms far behind, some of the more de­sirable city conveniences can be enjoyed in the back­woods retreat, particularly those that promote safety and good health.

Too little thought, usually, is given to lighting equipment. Because eye injury does not become visible or otherwise apparent like a broken leg or cauliflower ear, the cabin inhabitant may be doing great damage to his vision by employing makeshift lighting. Reading by a feeble oil lamp or candle flame is, according to vision experts, positively dangerous.

One of the most intense sources of light for the cabin that is not near electric power is a gasoline lantern or lamp using mantles similar to those employed for gas lamps. Such light sources are not costly, and are in­expensive to operate. They are sold widely for farm use. Oil lamps employing similar mantles are available, and are preferable to the ordinary type for reading, working, and other activities involving much use of the eyes.

Bottled gas like that sold for operating rural stoves,
or acetylene in convenient containers, can be used as a source of light. Special lighting equipment is available for such fuels.

Frequently the cabin will be situated where electric service is available. This is a desirable condition, and one that should be taken into consideration when the cabin site is being chosen. Besides providing illumina­tion, electricity will do such things as pump water, operate a radio, and cook meals.

If you wire your cabin without the aid of a licensed electrician, make yourself acquainted beforehand with approved methods of installing cable, outlet and con­nection boxes, switches, sockets, and the like. The fact that the cabin is rustic in construction and finish is no excuse for being careless with the wiring and per­haps causing a costly fire. Conceal all wiring where it will not be visible. If real-log construction is employed, cables can be run parallel to logs and covered with the chinking material. Make sure that they do not run where they will get wet unless they are lead-sheathed. Much of the wiring can be placed beneath the floor, and thus kept out of sight. Provide several conveni­ence outlets in each room and on porches for the con­necting of lamps, radios, hotplates, etc.

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How To Build A Log Cabin