268 THE COMPLETE WILDFOWLER 
strength to dispense with knees, even metal ones. Before 
finishing the cockpit edges and fixing the gunwale strip, a 
light calico laid down with white lead and gold size, materially 
assists in waterproofing the decks. A thin copper plate cover- 
ing the stem to protect it from the flashes of the gun, is indis- 
pensable. Some protection against ice in the form of thin 
wood or copper may be fixed on the sides some 3 ft. or 4 ft. 
FOOT. 
LONGITUDINAL SECTION THROUGH CENTRE 
COCKPIT 
LIGHT CANVAS 
Bottom Boards and Cover for Cockpit of Double Punt 
from the stem. The arranging of removable coamings, the 
fixing of the rowing and setting spurs, and such minor, though 
important details, form the finishing touches to the boat. The 
rivets, nails, washers, and screws should be copper or brass. 
Iron soon rusts. Ceiling boards for the gunners to lie on, and 
a cover for the cockpit when the punt is not in use, complete 
the punt. Before painting, the bottom joints should be lightly 
caulked with spun yarn and run in with lead paint, allowing 
several days for the paint to set. Gunning-punts are usually 
