sion
lines.

Proceed to make the curved ends as shown in Fig. 4. Two pieces of

[Illustration: Shaping the Canoe]

straight-grained green elm, 32 in. long, 1-3/4, in. wide and 1 in.
thick, will be required. The elm can be obtained from a carriage
or blacksmith's shop. The pieces are bent by wrapping a piece of
wire around the upper end and baseboard. The joint between the
curved piece and the base is temporary. Place a stick between the
wires and twist them until the required shape is secured. If the
wood does not bend readily, soak it in boiling water. The vertical
height and the horizontal length of this bend are shown in Fig. 4.
The twisted wire will give the right curve and hold the wood in
shape until it is dry.

The gunwales are the long pieces B, Fig. 2, at the top of the
canoe. These are made of strips of ash, 15 ft. long, 1 in. wide
and 1 in. thick. Fasten them temporarily to the molds, taking care
to have them snugly fit the notches shown. The ends fit over the
outside of the stem and stern pieces and are cut to form a sharp
point, as shown in Fig. 5. The ends of the gunwales are fastened
permanently to the upper ends of the bent stem and stern pieces
with several screws.

[Illustration: Construction of the Various Parts]

Two other light strips, C and D, Fig. 2, are temporarily put in,
and evenly spaced between the gunwales and the bottom board. These
strips are used to give the form to the ribs, and are removed when
they have served their purpose.

The ribs are now put in place. They are formed of strips of well
seasoned elm or hickory, soaked in boiling water until they bend
without breaking or cracking. Each rib should be 1-1/2 in.

[Illustration: Paddle Parts]

wide, 3/8 in. thick and long enough to reach the distance between
the gunwales after the bend is made. The ribs are placed 1 in.
apart. Begin by placing a rib in the center of the base and on the
upper side. Nail it temporarily, yet securely, and then curve the
ends and place them inside of the gunwales, as shown in Fig. 6.
Fasten the ends of the rib to the gunwales with 1-in. galvanized
brads. This method is used in placing all the ribs. When the ribs
are set, remove the pieces C and D, Fig. 2, and the molds.

A strip is now put in to take the place of the base. This strip is
1-3/4 in. wide, 1/2 in. thick and long enough to reach the entire
length of the bottom of the canoe. It is fastened with screws on
the inside, as shown in Fig.