SHOOTING THE DUCK AT SEA 33 



gunwale and uses the free hand to keep the aim of 

 the gun true, while, with the right-hand paddle, he 

 endeavours still further to decrease the distance 

 between himself and the fowl. At the slightest sign 

 of suspicion on the part of the birds he can, in still 

 water, the trigger string being held in the left hand, 

 take the shot instantly. If he reaches short range 

 he abandons the second paddle and uses both hands 

 to the gun. In shallow water the punt is propelled 

 by pushing the paddles on the bottom. 



A faster punt of the same class suitable for use 

 on sheltered water, and carrying a gun from 60 Ibs. 

 to 70 Ibs. weight, may be given the following pro- 

 portions : 



ft. in. 



Total length . . ... 17 5 

 Length on floor . . . .16 8 

 Extreme width on floor ..26 



across decks . 2 10 



Height of stem ....05 



stern . . . . o ; 



We now come to a single-handed punt for scull- 

 ing and using a setting-pole, to take a gun of from 

 80 Ibs. to 120 Ibs. weight : 



ft. in. 



Total length . . . .18 o 



Length on floor . ... 17 3 



Extreme width on floor ..29 



across decks . 3 4 



D 



