BoAs] PREPARATION OF MATERIALS 151 
is exercised in regard to the coil splints, which are from the center 
and vary considerably in shape, cross section, and size. 
The split sewing splints, which range from 1 to 3 meters in length, 
are doubled up and tied in bundles about 10 centimeters in diameter. 
Generally all splints are used their full length. Foundation splints, 
being uneven in length and inferior in quality, are worth about half 
what is asked for the others. (For prices see pages 156, 157.) 
There are several methods of tying these bundles. In the most 
common one the piece of cortex with which the bundles are bound is 
wound several times around one end, then spirally to the other, 
where it is again given a few turns at one place and its end either 
tied or tucked under. (Fig. 1.) Bundles of splints are also doubled 
up and the ends folded into the body of the bundle, which is held 
at the center by a strip of bark or grass tied around it. 
Most of the basket making is done in the winter, for the people 
then have more leisure for pursuing such work. Plenty of material 
is soaked and prepared a day or two beforehand. First the sewing 
splints are permitted to lie many 
hours in cold or tepid water until 
pliable. Nowadays an ordinary 
basin holds them, but long ago 
the receptacles were medium- 
sized baskets of similar shape. Fic. 1.—Sketch illustrating the wrapping of 
sewing splints 
(See fig. 31, p. 207.) They are 
next examined and if their width is found to be irregular the 
point of the awl marks the amount to be taken off at the wide 
places, and the superfluous wood is split off by pushing the awl 
upward along the splint. Thus each one is evened throughout its 
length, and indeed some require considerable “planing.” If the 
excess material is too little to be split off it is scraped away with a 
knife. Those pieces which are too thick throughout their entire 
length are soaked for a few minutes in hot water, which softens them 
more effectually, and a layer is then split off, but if they are merely 
too thick in spots they also are smoothed by scraping or by inserting 
a thin knife blade, the finger nail, or a very sharp awl into the wood 
at one end of the excess layer, which is then stripped off with a down- 
ward motion. When each splint has been reduced to the desired 
size one end is sharpened to a point with knife or scissors so that it 
may easily pass into the hole made by the awl, for no needles or 
bodkins are used. If it is not to be used immediately it is doubled 
up, usually twice, and tied in the center in a simple knot and thrown 
into a basket to dry. 
Since dampness imparts to the splint the pliability necessary for 
tight sewing, and cold water is not readily absorbed, when it is 
53666°—28——11 
