468 COOKING IN BOATS. 



When much sitting is to be done in boat work, an 

 inflatable ring, as an air cushion, is, as we before 

 remarked, extremely convenient and comfortable on 

 hard seats. In rain or spray, nothing aifords such 

 complete protection to the knees as a waterproof 

 petticoat and short waterproof coat. These with a pair 

 of rubber knee boots ensure the fisherman against 

 damp. A long waterproof coat of the usual kind is not 

 nearly so effective, and it is apt to get torn and spoilt. 



Fishing is for the most part carried on in cool 

 climates, sometimes in very cold weather. In such 

 cases nothing aifords such perfect protection against 

 piercing winds as waterproofs. At sea they are an 

 absolute necessity, spray and the drip, from the hauling 

 in of lines, soon wetting clothes completely through. 



In cold weather when people are at sea in open 

 boats, hot coffee and soups are very comforting. We 

 shall therefore add some specific directions for fires at 

 sea, or for boat travelling upon inland waters. If the 

 boat is fairly roomy, as sailing boats generally are, a 

 fire can be kindled with perfect safety in all ordinary 

 weather by depositing on the floor of the boat a layer 

 of stones; on top of which a bed of damp blue or 

 other clay, can be laid; upon this a fire can be lit. 

 Any ordinary camp cooking can then be performed. 

 This rude fireplace can be made hollow in the centre 

 to prevent hot embers falling out ; peat turf, charcoal, or 

 ordinary coals can be used as fuel more conveniently than 

 billets of wood, on acount of the bulky nature of the latter. 



If the flooring boards are removed, the stones can 

 be laid on the boat's bottom, and if there is a little 

 water washing about on it, so much the better. The 

 stones etc., come in useful as ballast under sail. If 



