Since 1973, Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletins have offered practical, hands-on instructions designed to help readers master dozens of country living skills quickly and easily. There are now more than 170 titles in this series, and their remarkable popularity reflects the common desire of country and city dwellers alike to cultivate personal independence in everyday life.
Reading this made me want to go out and try my hand at making maple syrup. I have always been interested in maple syrup and have visited a few sugarhouses over the years, but I have never made it myself. This bulletin simplifies the process and gives precise step by step instructions on how to start sugaring, from identifying the trees, to tapping and gathering sap, to boiling and grading your syrup. I found it a pleasure to read and appreciated the little illustrations throughout, though I would like more illustrations or some color pictures to get a better picture of the tools and processes described. Though I know I can find all that information in other books and online.
This was a short and sweet (no pun intended) how-to for a beginner with little to no knowledge on how to tap trees or where to start. Perrin is clear, easy to understand, and to the point. Very helpful and very informative, with clear explanations on the options for how to get going making maple syrup.
This short book is a quick overview of how to make maple syrup, from identifying the right type of maple, to watching the weather and tapping the trees, collection of sap, and how to cook it down. It describes three levels of amateur syrup making, from one or two trees up to forty of more. It lists the equipment needed and sources where it can be bought.
I think the book gave an incredible amount of specific information about making maple syrup whether you're a hobbyist with just a few trees to tap, or you are seriously considering making a business venture out of it. I found it interesting and fun.