To make each pair of planks used in the construction of the larger boats an entire tree is consumed.

It is felled, often miles away from the shore, cut across to the proper length, and then hewn longitudinally into two equal portions.

Each of these forms a plank by cutting down with the axe to a 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 construction of the vessel.

When a sufficient number of planks have 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.