88 EQUIPMENT. 



join, and at the top flared five inches on each end. 

 The stem and stern-post are now nailed in 

 position, at angles of about sixty degrees, and 

 the proper rake (about an inch and a half) 

 being given to the bottom (by moving its sup- 

 ports either way), its edges are bevelled all 

 round to fit the sides; the side-boards, one inch 

 thick, also of pine, are bent round and nailed 

 in place. The lower edges are now planed 

 smooth with bottom ; the upper ones cut to the 

 proper height ; the braces hollowed considerably 

 on their upper edges to save weight, and after 

 painting the boat is ready for use as soon as 

 dry. No provision is made for rowing, but the 

 boat is propelled by pushing or paddling from a 

 kneeling or sitting position. 



This boat is particularly suitable for teal, wood- 

 duck, and mallard shooting in the fall, but is not 

 large enough to carry many decoys, and it takes 

 in water so easily when fastened in a blind broad- 

 side to a good breeze, that it is unfit to use for 

 canvas-backs, or, in fiict, for spring shooting of any 

 kind in open water. The novice may find it 

 rather unsteady to shoot from at first, but that 

 is due rather to his mismanagement than any fault 

 of the boat. One accustomed to small boats need 



