154 THE COMPLETE WILDFOWLER 
not absolutely necessary, is nevertheless of use, especially 
when washing the inside of a punt, if nothing else. There is 
one thing certain—it can never be said that a well-arranged 
plug is ever in the way. The plug should be made of brass, 
with a low, flat, round head, milled on the edge, to give the 
fingers a better grip to screw it in or out of the nipple fitted in 
the punt’s floor. A thin leather washer makes the joint. 
Attach the plug to the punt with a short piece of brass chain, 
then the plug will not get astray. All punts should be furnished 
with a couple of long 1%in. rope falls, fifteen fathoms each, 
and two short ones five fathoms each. These are needed to 
moor the punt or haul her up with, and assist in taking ‘‘ fleets ”’ 
with the rope-blocks. 
Other almost indispensable tools, such as a couple of hand- 
hammers (one light), a couple of prickers, a gimlet, chisel, 
brace, and a few boring bits, rivet set, a small mallet, and a 
punching-block for big-gun wads, etc., may be added. But 
these are very ordinary, and, we think, should therefore simply 
need naming to be included in the wise punter’s outfit. They 
often prevent lengthy repair delays. A few duplicates of punt 
gear are usually stored. A spare oar, setting-pole, paddle, 
rowing-crutch, etc., are the chief things to have handy for 
cases of emergency. A few brass screws, various lengths, and 
copper rivets with washers should always be kept ready for 
use in repairing the punt. Remember, in punting as with 
other things, the old proverb, ‘‘A stitch in time saves nine.” 
Punters are continually handling slimy, wet, and muddy 
articles, and, without a sponge-cloth to wipe the fingers, the 
unpleasantness of these circumstances will be most thoroughly 
realised. It is easy for the expert to make a mental picture of 
the general arrangement of things aboard a double-handed 
punt. 
The gun is ten feet long over all, and is a two-inch bore 
B.L. She is mounted in an elevating crutch. Stout breeching 
