The rim was trimmed so as to be flat
where it crossed the fibre of the bark, and arched where it ran
along. The pliant rods of birch were bent around this, and using
the large awl to make holes, Quonab sewed the rim rods to the
bark with an over-lapping stitch that made a smooth finish to the
edge, and the birch-bark wash pan was complete. (E.) Much heavier
bark can be used if the plan F G be followed, but it is hard to
make it water-tight.
So now they had a wash pan and a cause of friction was removed.
Rolf found it amusing as well as useful to make other bark
vessels of varying sizes for dippers and dunnage. It was work
that he could do now while he was resting and recovering and he
became expert. After watching a fairly successful attempt at a
box to hold fish-hooks and tackle, Quonab said: "In my father's
lodge these would bear quill work in colours."
"That's so," said Rolf, remembering the birch-bark goods often
sold by the Indians. "I wish we had a porcupine now."
"Maybe Skookum could find one," said the Indian, with a smile.
"Will you let me kill the next Kahk we find?"
"Yes, if you use the quills and burn its whiskers.
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