- This is Mark Isselhardt,
maple specialist with University of Vermont Extension.
This is a Vermont Maple Minute.
Traditional methods of sap collection
have changed over time.
Initially, Native Americans created gashes in the stem
and directed sap into wooden or bark vessels.
Early spouts were created by hollowing out small twigs
which were inserted into tap holes
created with a hammer and chisel.
Sap flowed into wooden buckets placed on the ground.
Later, a bit and brace were used to produce the tap hole
and mass produced cast or rolled metal spouts
were employed to both direct sap into wooden
then later metal buckets
and to hold the bucket above the ground.
This has been a Vermont Maple Minute.
I am Mark Isselhardt,
maple specialist with University of Vermont Extension.