Riving billets with a froe, which means splitting logs using a metal knife thing that you beat with a beetle (wooden club or hammer). traditionally the best wood was chestnut (horse or sweet) and oak (but that was costly). later on sawn softwood was used. The laths were then used for lath and plaster which is part of the traditional construction of houses in this neck of the woods. Judy in Edinburgh ---------- >From: "Mike Pratt" <judas@tir.com> >To: SCT-EDINBURGH-L@rootsweb.com >Subject: [EDB] Occupation >Date: Tue, Oct 30, 2001, 12:52 am > > What would have a lathsplitter done in the Leith area in the 1840- > 50's. > > >