REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF FISHERIES, GAME AND FORESTS. 309 



the work. The old method of tapping, that used by the early settlers, was to " box " 

 the tree, or cut with an axe a deep, slanting gash about eight inches long, from the 

 lower end of which the fast exuding sap was conducted by a rudely fashioned spout to 

 a bucket. Or, they would often cut two gashes, not far from the ground, the two sloping 

 inward and downward until they met, at which point a spout was inserted. The 

 spout was generally made from a short piece of " shumake " or elder from which the 

 pith had been removed. There are many people living now who will remember 

 seeing these primitive methods. 



But the repeated wounds of the axe often destroyed the trees, and so boring was 

 substituted, after which it was discovered that an augur hole would produce nearly as 

 much sap as the broad cut of the axe. Commencing many years ago with a one and 

 one-half inch augur, the size of the hole has been reduced to that of a three-eighth 

 bit, which has been found to yield the best 

 results. Nor is it necessary to bore to any 

 great depth ; from one to two inches is suf- 

 ficient, as most of the sap rises through the 

 outer ducts. The bore should slant slightly 

 upward, to prevent any accumulation of frozen 

 sap in the night. A tin tube or metallic spout 

 is driven in, on the end of which is hung a the willis sap spout.* 



bucket to catch the sap. If a wooden spout 



is used the bucket is usually suspended from a large nail driven in the tree. But 

 it is well to avoid driving a nail into the tree, for it will rust and contaminate 

 the sap. 



The first tapping is made breast high, and with each successive year the hole is 

 made lower than that of the previous one. This, however, is not necessary, nor is it 

 always adhered to. Two spouts are often inserted to increase the yield; but in a 

 large sugar bush one is generally used in order to minimize any injury to the tree, 

 the desired amount of sugar being obtained by tapping a greater number of trees. 



The trunks are tapped usually on the south or southeast side, along which the sap 

 rises first in the spring; later in the season an opening is made on the north side if 

 the tree is to be tapped again. The largest flow can be obtained by tapping on the 

 side bearing the most branches, or over the largest root. 



Some sugar makers bore nearer the ground, believing that the lower the hole the 

 more sap and greater per cent, of sugar. Experiments have been made in tapping 

 at various heights, as far as thirty-eight feet above the ground, and on the main roots 

 fifteen feet from the base, sugar being made from all these tappings. 



* Sold by Maurice E. Viele, Albany, N. Y. 



