The sassafras dugout was the most common boat that Arkansawyers used to traverse the vast swamps and backwater of the rivers and streams. The St. Francis River dugout was a popular boat made from the trunk of a tree and used to hunt waterfowl in the sunk lands of Arkansas. Usually around ten feet long but only ten inches deep, the dugout has no seats, rather the paddler rests on his knees. This boat rides very low in the water but is stable and does not leak because there are no joints in the bottom.[1]
[1] Forest and Stream, August 28, 1890, 110.
Arkansas Wildlife History 