The message
from Chris Bacon contains these words:

He's made the frame and we've sourced samples of cotton canvas which
will be
light enough for us to manage but will need to be waterproofed just
in case
it ever rains ...

Smear it with lard.

And have all the rats licking the tent all night. Hmmm.

--
Skipweasel
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.