From Camp Life in the Woods. Harper & Brothers. Just out.

Sleeping on the ground, rolled in a blanket, is all very well if no better plan offers; but when a good camp-bed can be made as easily as the one we are about to describe, it is foolish to refuse the comfort thus offered. Procure a large piece of canvas, sacking, or other strong, coarse material six and a half feet square. If a single piece of this size can not be found, several parts may be sewed together to the required dimensions. After which two opposite sides should be firmly stitched together, thus forming a bottomless bag. Two stout poles seven or eight feet in length, and as large as the wrist, should now be cut. Insert them through the bag, allowing the ends to project equally on each side. These ends should now be rested on two logs, one placed at the head and the other at the foot of the bed. In order to hold the poles in place, notches should be cut in the logs at such distances as will draw the bag to its full width. The interior of the canvas should now be filled with dried grass, leaves, moss, or spruce boughs, after which the bed is complete, and as comfortable as any mattress.