Note 6 — Chapter XL · THE UPPER AMUR.

The white birch is the most important. In spring the natives peel off the bark in strips from two to four yards in length. The coarse outside of the bark, and the ligneous layers on the inside, are scraped off. It is then rolled up, and softened by steam, which makes it pliable. Several of these are sewn together, and supply the native with a waterproof blanket or mat, forming a wind screen in winter, and a covering for the hut in summer. The bark thus prepared is used also for wrapping merchandise, making small canoes, baskets, platters, cups, and household utensils.