Can you compare a Birchbark canoe with other boats?

Question

Homework help?

Answer 1

Of course.  You can compare anything to anything else.  Would you care to share with us what it is that you want to evaluate by way of the comparison?

Answer 2

A Birchbark Canoe is a handcrafted masterpiece.  It could be made with the simplest of tools, even stone tools.  This Google page has many links to information on Birchbark canoes, http://www.google.com.sg/search?hl=en&q=...

I'm sure when you read a little about them you'll be able to create a very interesting report.  Put your heart in it!

Good Luck!!!

Answer 3

Your question is misleading in that it literally asks to compare a B/Bark "canoe" with other "boats".  By that, do you actually mean it the way it sounds, or do you actually mean "....with other canoes"?  If the latter is correct, there is a similarity only in the basic design or shape.  In a survival situation, one might be able to fashion some kinds of canoes or kayaks using natural elements, but by comparison, a siimilar craft made of fiberglass or aluminum, etc. would be pretty much out of the question.  As for durability, the two latter choices would withstand much more abuse such as impact with stones or wood snags underwater, etc. and as a result, last longer.  However, once a suitable birchbark canoe was properly completed, it could be kept indefinetly if one knew "where" to keep it.  Surprisingly, the old originals were sunk under water with heavy stones when not in use as the water kept them from drying out, shrinking and cracking open.  Needless to say, it isn't necessary to keep fiberglass or aluminum canoes anywhere other then in your garage, or somewhere out of the extreme changes in weather that could cause them to change the condition of their skin through oxidation, mold/mildew, etc.  Canoes made of wood and covered with canvas would be even more susceptible to the later deterioration.