tan

• Format: Manuscript
• Language: English
• Published: 1973
• Subjects: English language > Dialects > Newfoundland and Labrador; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/elrcdne/id/73319

tan The tan was made by adding about 60 lbs. of cuts (i.E. bark which they brought in from St. John's. However, prior to about 1880 they used to use bark off the spruce tree), about 8 gallons of pine tar and the pot about half full of water. This would be boiled for about half an hour. The solution would then be poured out into a half puncheon (i.e. wooden barrel from 4 - 5 feet in diameter). One man would then put the twine in the puncheon while amother man poured tan in on top of it. Another man would have the job of taking the twine out of the puncheon and placing it in a pile so that the steam would go through it. It would then be spread on the fences, flakes, rocks and grass and when dry in about a week the separate parts were sewn together. G.M. Story FEB 1973 JH FEB 1973 Not used Not used Withdrawn [see 'cutch']