Log And Bark Canoes

C.W. Jefferys' notes about this picture from The Picture Gallery of Canadian History Volume 1

The elm-bark canoe was not equal to the birch-bark for speed, portaging or durability. It was heavy, difficult to put together, almost impossible to render water-tight, and split easily on contact with rocks. It was generally used as a hastily-constructed emergency craft for short voyages. The country south of Lake Ontario did not contain birch trees of the size and quality found farther north. The Iroquois, therefore, were frequently compelled to use elm bark; but they procured birch bark wherever it was possible.