CHAPTER IV. 



BOATS AND BOAT-BUILDING. 



The size and shape of a paddle-boat proper for 

 duck-shooting on inland waters must depend, of 

 course, in a great measure, upon the locality in- 

 tended for its use, as a small, low-sided boat, 

 such as would be sufficiently large and safe for 

 narrow rivers and ponds, might be entirely out 

 of place and even dangerous on larger waters ; 

 while one adapted to the latter would obviously 

 occasion more trouble in the finding of a suffi- 

 cient concealment than was necessary on the 

 smaller streams if a correspondingly fit boat 

 were used. It follows, then, in regard to the size, 

 that it should be as small as possible compatible 

 with safety and the capability of transporting any 

 needed amount of freight. As to its shape, it 

 should be so formed as to insure greatest speed 

 with sufficient steadiness and seaworthy qualities, 

 and of such material and substance as to combine 

 least weight with satisfactory durability. 

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