CHAPTER XII
CANOES
I SUPPOSE I have paddled about every sort of craft in use, and have found good qualities in all. Now that I am called upon to pick out one of them and label it as the best, even for a specific purpose, I must confess myself puzzled as to a choice. Perhaps the best way would be to describe the different sorts of canoe in common use, detail their advantages, tell what I consider the best of each kind, and leave the choice to your own taste or the circumstances in which you may find yourself.
[Sidenote: Kinds of Canoes]
Practicable canoes are made of birch bark stretched over light frames; of cedar; of basswood; of canvas, and of canvas cover over stiff frames.
[Sidenote: The Birch Bark]
[Sidenote: Advantages and Disadvantages]
The birch bark canoe has several unassailable advantages. It is light; it carries a greater weight in proportion to its length than any other; it is very easily mended. On the other hand it is not nearly so fast as a wooden canoe of sweeter lines; does not bear transportation so well; is more easily punctured; and does not handle so readily in a heavy wind. These advantages and disadvantages, as you can see, balance against one another. If it tends to veer in a heavy wind more than the wooden canoe, it is lighter on portage. If more fragile, it is very easily mended. If it is not quite so fast, it carries more duffle. Altogether, it is a very satisfactory all-around craft in which I have paddled many hundreds of miles, and with which I have never been seriously dissatisfied. If I were to repeat some long explorations in the absolute wilds of Canada I should choose a birch canoe, if only for the reason that no matter how badly I might smash it, the materials are always at hand for repairs. A strip of bark from the nearest birch tree; a wad of gum from the next spruce; some spruce roots; a little lard and a knife will mend a canoe stove in utterly.
[Sidenote: Selection of a Birch Bark]
In selecting a birch bark canoe the most important thing to look after is to see that the bottom is all one piece without projecting knots or mended cracks. Many canoes have bottoms made of two pieces. These when grounded almost invariably spring a leak at the seam, for the simple reason that it takes very little to scrape off the slightly projecting gum. On the other hand, a bottom of one good piece of bark will stand an extraordinary amount of raking and bumping without being any the worse. If in addition you can get hold of one made of the winter cut of bark, the outside shell will be as good as possible. Try to purchase a new canoe. Should this be impossible, look well to the _watap_, or roots, used in the sewing, that they are not frayed or burst. The frames should lie so close together as fairly to touch. Such a canoe, "two fathoms," will carry two men and four hundred pounds besides. It will weigh about fifty to seventy pounds, and should cost new from six to eight dollars.
[Sidenote: Cedar and Basswood]
A wooden canoe, of some sort, is perhaps better for all smooth and open-water sailing, and all short trips nearer home. It will stand a great deal of jamming about, but is very difficult to mend if ever you do punch a hole in it. You will need to buy a longer craft than when getting a birch. The latter will run from twelve to fourteen feet. A wood canoe of that length would float gunwhale awash at half you would wish to carry. Seventeen or eighteen feet is small enough for two men, although I have cruised in smaller. Cedar is the lighter material--and the more expensive--but splits too readily. Basswood is heavier, but is cheaper and tougher.
[Sidenote: The Folding Canvas]
The folding canvas boat is an abomination. It is useful only as a craft from which to fish in an inaccessible spot. Sooner or later it sags and gives, and so becomes logy.
[Sidenote: Canvas Covered]
A canoe is made, however, and much used by the Hudson's Bay Company, exactly on the frame of a birch bark, but covered with tightly stretched and painted canvas. It is a first-rate craft, combining an approach to the lightness of the birch bark with the sweeter lines of the wooden canoe. All ordinary small tears in its bottom are easily patched by the gum method. Its only inferiority to the birch rests in the facts that it is more easily torn; that a major accident, such as the smashing of an entire bow, cannot be as readily mended; and that it will not carry quite so great a weight. All in all, however, it is a good and serviceable canoe.
[Sidenote: Portaging]
In portaging, I have always had pretty good luck with the primitive Indian fashion--the two paddles lengthwise across the thwarts and resting on the shoulders, with perhaps a sweater or other padding to relieve the pressure. It is possible, however, to buy cushions which just fit, and on which you can kneel while paddling, and also a regular harness to distribute the weight. I should think they might be very good, and would certainly be no trouble to carry. Only that makes one more thing to look after, and the job can perfectly well be done without.
[Sidenote: Paddles]
The Indian paddle is a very long and very narrow blade, just as long as the height of its wielder. For use in swift and somewhat shallow water, where often the paddle must be thrust violently against the bottom or a rock, this form is undoubtedly the best. In more open, or smoother water, however, the broader and shorter blade is better, though even in the latter case it is well to select one of medium length. Otherwise you will find yourself, in a heavy sea, sometimes reaching rather frantically down toward the water. Whatever its length, attach it to the thwart nearest you by a light strong line. Then if you should go overboard you will retain control of your craft. I once swam over a mile before I was able to overtake a light canoe carried forward by a lively wind.
[Sidenote: Setting Poles]
On any trip wherein you may have to work your way back against the current, you must carry an iron "shoe" to fit on a setting pole. Any blacksmith can make you one. Have it constructed with nail holes. Then when you want a setting pole, you can cut one in the woods, and nail to it your iron shoe.
[Sidenote: Knapsacks]
The harness for packs is varied enough, but the principle remains simple. A light pack will hang well enough from the shoulders, but when any weight is to be negotiated you must call into play the powerful muscles lying along the neck. Therefore, in general, an ordinary knapsack will answer very well for packs up to say thirty pounds. Get the straps broad and soft; see that they are both sewed and riveted.
[Sidenote: Tumplines]
[Sidenote: How to Carry Packs]
When, however, your pack mounts to above thirty pounds you will need some sort of strap to pass across the top of your head. This is known as a tumpline, and consists of a band of leather to cross the head, and two long thongs to secure the pack. The blanket or similar cloth is spread, the thongs laid lengthwise about a foot from either edge, and the blanket folded inward and across the thongs. The things to be carried are laid on the end of the blanket toward the head piece. The other end of the blanket, from the folds of which the ends of the thongs are protruding, is then laid up over the pile. The ends of the thongs are then pulled tight, tied together, and passed around the middle of the pack. To carry this outfit with any degree of comfort, be sure to get it low, fairly in the small of the back or even just above the hips. A compact and heavy article, such as a sack of flour, is a much simpler matter. The thongs are tied together at a suitable distance. One side of the loop thus formed goes around your head, and the other around the sack of flour. It will not slip.
[Sidenote: Pack Harnesses]
By far the best and most comfortable pack outfit I have used is a combination of the shoulder and the head methods. It consists of shoulder harness like that used on knapsacks, with two long straps and buckles to pass around and secure any load. A tumpline is attached to the top of the knapsack straps. I have carried in this contrivance over a hundred pounds without discomfort. Suitable adjustment of the headstrap will permit you to relieve alternately your neck and shoulders. Heavy or rather compact articles can be included in the straps, while the bulkier affairs will rest very well on top of the pack. It is made by Abercrombie & Fitch, and costs two dollars and seventy-five cents.
INDEX
Agate Ware, 98
Alertness, 10
Aluminum, 98
Aparejos, 156
Axes, 92
Bacon, 118 How to Cook, 136
Bags, Duffle, 72 Food, 105 Saddle, 153
Bakers, 102 Dutch Oven, 102 Reflector, 103
Baking Powder, 120
Basswood Canoes, 224
Beans, 124 How to Cook, 143
Birch Bark Canoes, 221
Biscuits, 137 How to Make, 137
Blankets, Saddle, 153 How to Use, 87 Rubber, 87
Boots, 50 Waterproof, 50 Rubber, 52 The Putman, 51, 52 The Cutter, 51
Bread, 136 Corn, 137 How to Make, 136 Unleavened, 137
Bridles, 153
Britten Fire Irons, 107
Britten Saddle Rigging, 158
Bucking Hitch, 184
Burros, 203
Butter, 124
Canned Goods, 125 Corn, 126 Peas, 126 Tomatoes, 126 Fruits, 126 Salmon, 126 Picnic Stuff, 126 Corned Beef, 127 Eggs, 127
Canoes, 221 Birch Bark, 221 Cedar, 224 Basswood, 224 Canvas, 224 How to Portage, 225 Paddles, 226 Poles, 226
Canvas Canoe, 224
Cedar Canoe, 224
Cereals, 121
Chaparejos, 57
Cinches, 157
Cinch Hooks, 163
Coats, 23, 24, 37
Coffee, 120 How to Make, 141
Compasses, 67
Compressed Soups, 128-130
Condiments, 123
Cookery, Secret of Camp, 135
Cooking Materials, 97 Tin, 97 Sheet Iron, 98 Agate Ware, 98 Iron, 98 Aluminum, 98
Cornmeal, 118
Corn, Canned, 126 How to Cook, 143
Corn Beef, Canned, 126
Cornbread, 137
Corn Pone, How to Make, 138
Cottolene, 121
Diamond Hitch, 174
Dingbats, Patent, 27
Direction, Sense of, 3
Discipline, 11 Horrible Example of Lack of, 12
Dried Fruits, 122
Duffle Bags, 72
Dutch Oven, 102
Eggs, Canned, 127 How to Pack, 196
Elimination, 24
Erbswurst, 128
Essentials, 25
Fire Arms, 106
Fire Inspirator, 108 How to Use, 109
Flapjohn, How to Make, 138
Flour, 118 Pancake, 118 Boston Brown Bread, 118
Fly Dopes, 75
Food Bags, 105
Food, Necessity of Variety, 115
Footwear, The Ideal, 46
Fruit, Dried, 122 Canned, 126
Gauntlets, 58
Gloves, 57
Ham, 118
Hardtack, 124 How to Cook, 143
Harness Pack, 229
Hatchets, 91
Hats, 35 The Stetson, 36
Hitches, 172 The Jam, 172 The Diamond, 174 The Single Diamond, 174 The Double Diamond, 180 The Square, 182 The Bucking, 184 The Miner's, 185 The Lone Packer, 187 The Squaw, 190 The Sling, 192 The Saddle, 194 The Tie, 198
Hobbles, 164 Should be Lined, 165 Side Lines, 166 How to Make, 166
Hobnails, 47-50
Horses, How to Choose, 205 Gun Shyness of, 209 Qualifications of, 211 What They Should Carry, 212 How Far to Travel, 214 When Hill Climbing, 216 Unsaddling of, 217 How to Pick up Feet of, 217 How to Mount Bad, 218
Horse Outfits, 149
Horse Packs, 169 The Philosophy of, 170 The Top, 172
Inspirator, Logan Fire, 108 How to Use, 109
Iron Cooking Materials, 98
Irons, Fire, 106 The Britten Fire, 107
Jam Hitch, 172
Kerchiefs, 37
Khaki, 44
Knapsacks, 227
Kyacks, 160 Rawhide, 161 Canvas, 161 How to Pack, 171
Lanterns, 91
Lard, 121
Lash Ropes, 162
Logan Fire Inspirator, 108
Lone Packer Hitch, 187
Luxuries, 116, 117
Macaroni, 125 How to Cook, 143
Matches, 63
Match Safes, 64
Medicines, 74
Milk, 123 Powder, 123
Miner's Hitch, 185
Moccasins, 47 Deerhide, 54 Moosehide, 54 Shoe Pac, 54
Mules, Riding, 203 Pack, 204
Mush, How to Make, 142
Olive Oil, 121
Onions, 120
Outfits, Horse, 149 Pack, 155
Outfits, Made-up, 100 Two-man, 101
Overalls, 43
Oven, Dutch, 102
Overburdening, 23
Pack Harness, 229
Packs, Horse, 169 Top Horse, 172
Pack Outfits, 155 Saddles, 155
Pack-rig Saddle, 159
Paddles, 226
Pads, Saddle, 156
Pails, 89
Pantasote Coats, 55
Patent Dingbats, 27
Peas, Canned, 126
Picket Ropes, 163
Picnic Stuff, Canned, 126
Pillows, 89
Pistols, 69
Poles, Canoe, 226
Ponchos, 56
Potatoes, 120
Puddings, How to Make, 138
Quilts, 88
Quirts, 153
Razors, 74 To Keep from Rusting, 74
Reflectors, 103
Repair Kit, 92
Revolvers, 70
Riata, Rawhide, 154
Rice, 119
Rifles, 68
Rigging, Saddle, 157
Ropes, Lash, 162 Picket, 163 Mexican Grass, 154
Rubber Blankets, 52
Sacks, 45
Saddle Bags, 153 Blankets, 153
Saddle Hitch, 194 Bags, 153 Pads, 157 Rigging, 157 Rigging Britten, 158 Pack Rig, 159
Saddles, Pack, 155 Riding, 149 Sawbuck, 150
Salmon, Canned, 126
Scabbards, 154
Sheet Iron Cooking Materials, 98
Shirts, 39 Buckskin, 38
Shoe Pac, 53
Shot Guns, 71
Sleeping Bags, 87
Slickers, 56
Slings, 192
Sling Shot, 153
Soap, Towels, etc., 110
Soups, Compressed, 128-130 Erbswurst, 128
Spurs, 154
Square Hitch, 182
Squaw Hitch, 190
Stirrups, 151
Stirrup Leathers, 150
Sugar, 120 Tablets, 121
Syrup, 123
Sweaters, 38
Table Utensils, 99
Tapioca, 119
Tarpaulins, 85
Tea, 120
Tents, 79 Proper Shape for, 82 "A" or Wedge, 84
Thoroughness, Importance of, 6
Tie Hitch, 198
Tin Cooking Materials, 97
Toilet Articles, 73
Tomatoes, 126
Towels, Soap, etc., 110
Trousers, 43
Tumplines, 227
Underclothes, 40 Jaeger, 42 Should be Wool, 41
Utensils for Table, 99
Waistcoats, 54
Washing, How to Do, 42
Wash Basins, 90 Tubs, 90
Waterproofs, 55
Woodcraft, Logic of, 30
* * * * *
Transcriber's Notes:
Obvious punctuation errors repaired. Repeated sidenotes were removed. Each chapter began with a page with the chapter title, a blank page and then the first page of the chapter with the chapter title repeated. The first chapter title of each of these sets was deleted to avoid repetition.
Page 117, "advisibility" changed to "advisability" (advisability of opening it)
Page 158, "becames" changed to "becomes" (one becomes a convert)
Page 223, "aleak" changed to "a leak" (a leak at the seam)
Page 236, "Tump Lines" changed to "Tumplines" (Tumplines, 227)