The native peoples of what is now central Canada had a unique way of
helping others get to their destination without losing their way.
A young tree prominently situated at a trail intersection or sharp turn
had one or more limbs trained to point in a certain direction to aid the traveler.
These limbs were bent sharply, partly
broken, then tied with raw-hide or wild grape vine, the wound, at the bending was smeared
with pitch to aid in it's healing.
After many years of being "trained", the limb remained in that permanent
position. The restraints were left to rot away allowing the tree to live out it's natural
life... as a "road sign".
Bent limb trees still might be seen in Norfolk, Elgin and Wellington
counties as well as the Ottawa region.
Take a close look around you, there just might be a surviving bent limb
tree in your area.
|
