282 THE COMPLETE WILDFOWLER 
A boat for this purpose alone need not be included in the 
wildfowler’s outfit. One can generally be hired from some 
local fisherman or boatman. A second-hand boat which would 
serve as a following-boat can often be picked up cheap. They 
can be made of use in many ways to the fowler. A trip may 
be taken in such a craft out on the open water to survey the 
whereabouts of birds. A swivel-gun could be mounted in the 
bow. Shots with heavy shoulder guns might also be obtained. 
Sail Plan of Following Boat 
As a following-boat, one wants a craft which does not draw 
much water—light, and easily handled. Ordinary cobles, as 
seen on the coast, though good sea-boats, are rather too large 
for following-boats. A craft, 18 ft. to 20 ft. long, with 6 ft. 
beam, is about what is required. She should be fitted with 
a pole-mast and sail, the mast to step and unstep. The sail 
to be recommended is a lug-sail. We give a sail plan of the 
boat. Shots may be obtained by sailing down-wind on to 
fowl. Unless one of the party is a practical sailor, engage 
