CHAP. XXIX.] NATIVE BOAT-BVILBINQ. 185 



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 construc- 

 tion of the vessel. When a sufficient number of planks 

 liave 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, pro- 

 [lerly 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 

 boring 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. 

 The boat is built up in this way by fitting plank to 

 plank till the proper height and width are obtained. 



