Process of Peeling
The tree should be cut down so that the bark can be removed more easily.
Fig. 79.—Showing how the butt is kept off the ground.
Fig. 80.
Fig. 81.
A log called a skid ([Fig. 79]) is laid on the ground a few feet from the base of the tree, which will keep the butt of the tree off the ground when the tree is felled. The limbs at the top will keep the other end off the ground. A space is cleared of bushes and obstructions where the tree is to fall.
After the tree has been cut down, a cut is made in a straight line (A, B, [Fig. 79]), splitting the bark from top to bottom, and a ring cut at A and B ([Fig. 79]). When sap is flowing, the bark is readily removed; but in winter the edges of the cut are raised with a knife, and a thin, pliant hard-wood knife or "spud" is pushed around under the bark.