Voyage of the Paper Canoe: A Geographical Journey of 2500 miles, from Quebec to the Gulf of Mexico, during the years 1874-5.Bishop, Nathaniel H. (Nathaniel Holmes)
History
Voyage of the Paper Canoe: A Geographical Journey of 2500 miles, from Quebec to the Gulf of Mexico, during the years 1874-5.
Bishop, Nathaniel H. (Nathaniel Holmes)
Atlantic Coast (Canada) -- Description and travel; Atlantic Coast (U.S.) -- Description and travel; Bishop, Nathaniel H. (Nathaniel Holmes), 1837-1902 -- Travel -- Canada, Eastern; Bishop, Nathaniel H. (Nathaniel Holmes), 1837-1902 -- Travel -- United States; Canada, Eastern -- Description and trave
"The process of building the paper shell-boat is as follows: The
dimensions of the boat having been determined upon, the first
step is to construct a wooden model, or form, an exact
fac-simile of the desired boat, on which to mould the paper
skin. For this purpose the lines of the boat are carefully drawn
out of the full size, and from the drawings thus made the model
is prepared. It is built of layers of well-seasoned pine,
securely fastened together to form one solid mass; which, after
having been laid up of the general outline required, is
carefully worked off, until its surface, which is made perfectly
smooth, exactly conforms to the selected lines, and its beam,
depth, and length are those of the given boat. During the
process of its construction, suitable rabbets are cut to receive
the lower keelson, the two inwales, and the bow and stern
deadwoods, which, being put in position, are worked off so that
their surfaces are flush with that of the model, and forming, as
it were, an integral part of it. It being important that these
parts should, in the completed boat, be firmly attached to the
skin, their surface is, at this part of the process, covered
with a suitable adhesive preparation.
"The model is now ready to be covered with paper. Two kinds are
used: that made from the best Manila, and that prepared from
pure unbleached linen stock; the sheets being the full length of
the model, no matter what that may be. If Manila paper is used,
the first sheet is dampened, laid smoothly on the model, and
securely fastened in place by tacking it to certain rough strips
attached to its upper face. Other sheets are now superposed on
this and on each other, and suitably cemented together; the
number depending upon the size of the boat and the stiffness
required. If linen paper is used, but one sheet is employed, of
such weight and dimensions that, when dry, it will give just the
thickness of skin necessary. Should the surface of the model be
concave in parts, as in the run of boats with square sterns for
instance, the paper is made to conform to these surfaces by
suitable convex moulds, which also hold the paper in place
until, by drying, it has taken and will retain the desired form.
The model, with its enveloping coat of paper, is now removed to
the dry-room. As the paper skin dries, all wrinkles disappear,
and it gradually assumes the desired shape. Finally, when all
moisture has been evaporated, it is taken from the mould an
exact fac-simile of the model desired, exceedingly stiff,
perfectly symmetrical, and seamless.
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