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 fi-om 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. 



I i iI i iIi i I i lI 



(FOOT. 



LONISITtailNAL 



SECTrCN THUeimt CEIITRE 



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 



