Maple Syrup The Old Way
Spiles were hammered into holes which were drilled into the trunk of Maple trees to collect sap. A bucket was hung on the wire hook and sap was collected each day into larger barrels.
The sap was, and still is simmered until it thickens into Maple Syrup.

The modern method can be seen here.

Very interesting..nicely arranged, first time I have seen these. All I see in photos are the buckets! NellyBly · 2011-03-06: 22:18

hmm I wonder, can maple syrup be made by you or must be by experts? I mean, just like my parents can make their own wine, can you make your own maple syrup? I've never tried it, neither seen it being sold at the supermarket, but for sure looks nice! onlyricky · 2011-03-09: 12:34

Many people who live in the country and have 5 or 6 (or more) maple trees will tap them using this type of spile and collect the sap. When they have enough sap, they use a wood stove, propane barbeque or propane heater to simmer the sap into syrup. It takes about 10 Litres of sap to make 1 Litre of syrup and a long time of simmering. We have a neighbour who makes about 5 or 6 Litres of syrup for personal use each year. We buy ours for about $60 (Canadian) for a 4 Litre container. I buy it from a loca producer who is a parent of a student in my class (this year). stabeez · 2011-03-09: 18:27

The old faithfuls.....lol Great shot! It's maple syrup time again! mmmmmm ArtBee · 2011-03-11: 09:01

splendid shot ! anggrekfoto · 2011-03-28: 21:01