It Is Felled, Often Miles Away From The Shore, Cut
Across To The Proper Length, And Then Hewn Longitudinally Into
Two Equal Portions.
Each of these forms a plank by cutting down
with the axe to a uniform thickness of three or
Four inches,
leaving at first a solid block at each end to prevent splitting.
Along the centre of each plank a series of projecting pieces are
left, standing up three or four inches, about the same width, and
a foot long; these are of great importance in the construction of
the vessel. When a sufficient number of planks have been made,
they are laboriously dragged through the forest by three or four
men each to the beach, where the boat is to be built. A
foundation piece, broad in the middle and rising considerably at
each end, is first laid on blocks and properly shored up. The
edges of this are worked true and smooth with the adze, and a
plank, properly curved and tapering at each end, is held firmly
up against it, while a line is struck along it which allows it to
be cut so as to fit exactly. A series of auger holes, about as
large as one's finger, are then bored along the opposite edges,
and pins of very hard wood are fitted to these, so that the two
planks are held firmly, and can be driven into the closest
contact; and difficult as this seems to do without any other aid
than rude practical skill in forming each edge to the true
corresponding curves, and in poring the holes so as exactly to
match both in position and direction, yet so well is it done that
the best European shipwright cannot produce sounder or closer-
fitting joints.
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