over the opening.

The lower edge of the lodge is made fast to the ground with wooden
pins. The apex is left open, with a triangular wing or flap on each
side, and the windward flap constantly stretched out by means of a pole
inserted into a pocket in the end of it, which causes it to draw like a
sail, and thus occasions a draught from the fire built upon the ground
in the centre of the lodge, and makes it warm and comfortable in the
coldest winter weather. Canvas makes a very good substitute for the
buffalo-skin covering.

SIBLEY TENT.

A tent has been invented by Major H. H. Sibley, of the army, which is
known as the "_Sibley tent_." It is somewhat similar to the Comanche
lodge, but in place of the conical frame-work of poles it has but one
upright standard, resting upon an iron tripod in the centre. The tripod
can be used to suspend cooking utensils over the fire, and, when folded
up, admits the wooden standard between the legs, thereby reducing the
length one half, and making it more convenient for packing and
traveling.

[Illustration: THE SIBLEY TENT.]

This tent constituted the entire shelter of the army in Utah during the
winter of 1857-8, and, notwithstanding the severity of the climate in
the elevated locality of Camp Scott, the troops were quite comfortable,
and pleased with the tent.

In permanent camps the Sibley tent may be so pitched as to give more
room by erecting a tripod upon the outside with three poles high and
stout enough to admit of the tent's being suspended by ropes attached
to the apex. This method dispenses with the necessity of the central
upright standard.

When the weather is very cold, the tent may be made warmer by
excavating a basement about three feet deep, which also gives a wall to
the tent, making it more roomy.

The tent used in the army will shelter comfortably twelve men.

Captain G. Rhodes, of the English army, in his recent work upon tents
and tent-life, has given a description of most of the tents used in the
different armies in Europe, but, in my judgment, none of them, in point
of convenience, comfort, and economy, will compare with the Sibley tent
for campaigning in cold weather. One of its most important features,
that of admitting of a fire within it and of causing a draught by the
disposition of the wings, is not, that I am aware, possessed by any
other tent. Moreover, it is exempt from the objections that are urged
against some other tents on account of in