1.  The keel, stem and stern might be in one; but because the stem and stern ought to be strong, this whole line is made of two small trees lashed together with the thick ends outwards, as in fig. 1, where ab is a lithe clean little willow-tree, and ab another similar one.  They are lashed together at their taper ends.

2.  Cut notches half-way through KK, at about 20 to 25 inches from each end; then turn up the notched portions, and you have stem, keel and stern, all in one piece, as in fig. 2.

[Fig 1 and Fig 2 sketches].

3.  Stake out the ground, according to the size your boat will cover, by driving eight strong pointed stakes of wood into the ground; to these lash four cross (willow-tree) sticks, notched in two places, so that each of these four willows shall form two knees, as well as run across the bottom of the boat.

4.  Bent two more main willows for gunwales for the boat, and two more for bottom rails.  Each separate stick, as will be perceived by fig. 3, is lashed in five different places, and the keep in eight places.

[Fig 3 and Fig 4—­sketches as described].

The main framework being now completed, loosen it from the stakes driven into the ground.

5.  Fasten a large number of little slender willow-twigs between each of the main cross-knees, as shown by the thin lines in fig. 3.  It is then fit for covering.  Lift it up like a basket, and turn it topsy-turvy.

6.  Kill two bulls, skin them, and in skinning be careful to make your cuts in the skin down the rump to the hock of the animal, and down the brisket in front of the fore-leg to the knee, so as to have your skins as square as possible (fig. 4).  Cut off the heads, and sew the skins together at the nape of the necks; and, while reeking, cover the wicker-work, turning them over it, the hairy side inwards, and fasten it all round by means of skin-cords.  Cut holes with a knife round the edges, to pass the cords through, as you lash up to the top-rails of the boat.

7.  Leave it 24 hours in the sun; cover the seam where the skins are sewn together, with melted fat, and the boat is fit for use.

Bark Boats.—­“From a pine, or other tree, take off with care the longest possible entire portion of the bark; while fresh and flexible, spread it flat as a long rectangular sheet; then turn it carefully up at the sides, the smooth side outwards; sew the ends together, and caulk them well.  A few cross-sticks for thwarts complete this contrivance, which is made by an American Indian in a few hours, and in which the rapid waters of the Mackenzie are navigated for hundreds of miles.  Ways of strengthening the structure will readily suggest themselves.  The native material for sewing is the fibrous root of the pine.” ("Handbook for Field Service,” Lieut.-Col.  Lefroy.)

[Figs I, ii, III, and IV—­sketches as described].

Birch-bark canoes.—­Birch bark, as is well known, is used for building canoes in North America, and the bark of many other trees would do for covering the framework of a boat, in default of leather.  But it is useless to give a detailed account of birch canoes, as great skill and neat execution are required both in making and in using them.