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14 SURVIVal IN THE WILDERNESS

are not expensive or complicated. They can be fitted into any small tin. Get used to carrying the tin around with you at all times. (It can easily fit into most jacket pockets.) Pack the contents with cotton wool—it insulates the contents and stops it rattling and, because cotton wool is flammable, it can also be used for making fire. Your survival tin should include the following items: • Matches. Use these only when other fire-making methods fail. • Candle. This will give you a source of light and help you to start a fire. Candle wax can be also be eaten in an emergency. • Flint. Make sure you have a flint with a saw striker. These can be used to make hundreds of fires, and will carry on working long after your matches have been used up. • Sewing kit. This is useful for repairing clothes. • Water purification tablets. These will help you have clean water to drink. • Compass. A small button, liquid-filled compass is the best, but check it regularly for leaks. • Mirrors. As they are reflective, they can be used for signaling. • Safety pins. These are useful for securing items of clothing and for making fishing lines. • Fish hooks and line. The fishing kit should also include split lead weights. Have as much line as possible—it can also be used to catch birds. • Wire saw. This can cut even large trees (cover it in a film of grease to protect it against rust). • Large plastic bag. This can be used to carry water and used as the lining for a solar still to make water (The next chapter will tell you how to make a solar still.).