298 



June 1749. 



fions, at the time when it was kept in a 

 ftate of defence. 



We met with fome apple and plumb- 

 trees* which were certainly planted when 

 the fort was in a good condition. 



June the 28th. The American Elm, 

 (TJimus Americana Linn.) grows in abun- 

 dance, in the forefls hereabouts. There 

 are two kinds of it. One was called the 

 White Elm, on account of the infide of the 

 tree being white. It was more plentiful 

 than the other fpecies, which was called the 

 Red Elm, becaufe the colour of the wood 

 was reddifh. Of the bark of the former 

 the boats made ufe of here are commonly- 

 made, it being tougher than the bark of 

 any other tree. With the bark of hiccory, 

 which is employed as bait, they fow the 

 elm-bark together, and with the bark 

 of the red elm they join the ends of the boat 

 fo clofe as to keep the water out. They beat 

 the bark between two ftones ; or for want 

 of them, between two pieces of wood. 



The making of the boat took up half 

 yefterday, and all this day. To make fuch 

 a boat, they pick out a thick tall elm, with 

 a fmooth bark, and with as few branches 

 as pomble. This tree is cut down, and 

 great care is taken to prevent the bark from 

 being hurt by falling againft other trees, 



or 



