You will need ash splints for weaving, and a willow reed about f of an inch in diameter and 5 feet long for the top of the basket. For the foundation use 17 splints each 1^ inches wide and 5 feet long. For the weaving use 25 splints each ^ inch wide and 9 feet long. Soak the splints until they are soft enough to be pliable.

1. Weave the 17 foundation splints into a bottom about 12 inches wide and 15 inches broad.

2. Nail the basket bottom to a rough wooden box about 12 by 15 inches in size. Nail a board over it to hold it firm.

3. Bend the foundation splints around the box to form the uprights of the basket. Place a weaving strip between any two of the foundation splints at the back of the basket and weave it over and under all the way around. Always start a new weaving splint at the back of the basket.

4. When you have finished the lower, wide part of the basket, remove the wooden box and tie the uprights together so that you get the desired "throat." Continue weaving, pulling the weaving splints a little tighter than before.

5. When you have woven the basket to a height of about 18 inches, cut off the uprights 4 inches from the upper edge. Point them with a sharp knife.

* Courtesy of Boy Scouts of America.

6. Bend the pointed ends over the top weaving splint and fasten them by interweaving them with the splints below.

7. Fasten a handle on the basket. Then split the willow reed in half and fasten one of the halves to the inside of the throat of the basket. Tack it in place here and there.

8. Place the other half of the reed on the outside top of the basket and bind the two halves of the reed together with weaving splints 1/4 of an inch wide.

9. Use web or leather straps to carry the basket. Fasten one strap around the throat of the basket and attach two more straps to the first from front to back. (Directions for fastening the harness on the pack basket are given on page 56.) 10. Carry the basket as shown in the picture.