Being curious about shelf fungus I
collected a local shelf fungus and cut it open but was disappointed to find no “trama layer” referred to as amadou because it wasn’t the right kind of fungus. Upon further research I learned that fomes formentarious grows on dead birch and beach trees that resemble a horse’s hoof and there are scant finds outside of my area.

I did learn that he bottom layer of shelf polypore funguses known as hymenium contain minute tube-like structures that can have a capillary effect and a narrow slice can be used for a wick in a slush lamp so I decided to try it out.

I used an empty sardine can for my vessel and poured in vegetable oil for fuel. I cut a slice of the bottom layer of my fungus and initially soaked it briefly in the oil. When I removed it, I wiped off the excess oil then lit the flat bottom edge until it took flame to prime it for use.

As with any wick, the exposed length of the wick determines the size of the flame. Excessive length will produce a large flame but will also exhibit much smoke and soot.

I’ve used slush lamps mainly for light but I wanted to see if I couuld cook, much like a Inuit qulliq stove so I positioned a metal cup containing some shallow water above the flame. The wick stayed lit for over a half hour but it only managed a pre-boil. It was enough though for a delicious instant oatmeal meal.

I have found that natural fibers work best when choosing a wick, and that a ribbon or tape shape rather than a round shape provides a better light source.

In our medicine cabinet I found a 100% ribbed cotton pad so I cut off a rib to use for my wick. I poured a small amount of canola oil into a small Pyrex dish as my vessel. I tore off a small piece of aluminum foil and poked a hole in the middle. I dipped the wick into the canola oil then inserted it through the hole leaving about a quarter inch on top then placed the foil over the top of the oil. A soaked wick is slow to light but once lit displays a steady flame.

The foil provides a convenient barrier between the oil and flame while suspending the wick in the middle of the dish. An added bonus is that the crinkled foil texture reflects and enhances the light from the flame.

This simple design can provide hours of light when needed. Be sure to keep it away from combustibles and make sure that it is stable as the oil is a liquid and could spill.

A word of caution: in all cases these fuels should be used outdoors or in a very well ventilated area. It’s best to stay upwind from the smoke and fumes that are produced. Make sure that the vessel holding the fuel is stable, as spilled flammable liquids can have disastrous consequences.

Your car holds many emergency fuels, but other types of vehicles and machines such as boats, planes and tractors can provide similar fuels too. Knowing about these resources in an emergency situation and knowing how to use them could save your life.

Some years ago, when my sons and I were in Boy Scouts, we went to a “snow camp” for a weekend. Being from the Bay Area in California, this opportunity to experience snow was novel for us. The first year we went I built a Quinzee shelter, and realized that a traditional feature would be a Quilliq for light and warmth. So, I rummaged around for an empty soda can and cut it with my knife about 1 1/2 inches from the bottom. I visited the cooks in the camp’s kitchen who provided me with vegetable oil and a paper towel that I rolled into a wick. Thus, I was able to improvise a modern day slush lamp.

The photo illustrates a more rustic slush lamp displaying the 4 parts. The wick is a piece of cotton batting, using vegetable oil as fuel. A bigger vessel lasts longer but if too large is not as portable. I would love to see other examples of slush lamps if you have made some of your own.