They were frequently erected as temporary shelters when people initially arrived in a new location. The majority of pioneer log huts were built using simple round logs. Modern log houses are constructed using hand-worked (referred to as hewn) logs that fit together more securely than basic round logs. Hewn-log buildings also tend to be taller and have larger floor plans than their round-log counterparts. Early cabins were usually made out of wood, but over time this would become scarce or expensive. Thus, many different materials were used instead such as mud bricks, stone, canvas, etc. The word "cabin" comes from the Anglo-Saxon kenning meaning "shanty". It was first used to describe the tents built by early Scandinavian settlers in Canada and America. These tents were usually made out of branches and covered with skins or cloth. In time, the word "cabin" was applied to any small house built for shelter or storage. In Europe, cabins were mostly used by farmers as a temporary dwelling while they waited for crops to grow or animals to be born. When farming was not possible, miners, hunters, or fishermen might build a cabin as a place to sleep and store supplies. Cabins were often described by their shape and size. They could be single story or double story, with either an open front or enclosed back.