This is tapered off at either end, so as to form a kind of prow.

The cylindrical shape of the log is preserved as much as possible in the process of hollowing, so that no more than a section of one fourth of the circle is pared away upon the upper side.
Upon the edges of this aperture the top sides of the canoe are formed by simple planks, which are merely sewn upon the main body of the log parallel to each other, and slightly inclining outward, so as to admit the legs of persons sitting on the canoe.
A vessel of this kind would of course capsize immediately, as the top weight of the upper works would overturn the flute-like body upon which they rested.

This is prevented by an outrigger, which is formed of elastic rods of tough wood, which, being firmly bound together, project at right angles from the upper works.

At the extremity of these two rods, there is a tapering log of light wood, which very much resembles the bottom log of the canoe in miniature.

This, floating on the water, balances the canoe in an upright position; it cannot be upset until some force is exerted upon the mast of the canoe which is either sufficient to lift the outrigger out of the water, or on the other hand to sink it altogether; either accident being prevented by the great leverage required.