334 THE FOWLER IN IRELAND. 



two rigs entirely with respect to their suitability for 

 fowling and cruising, and not as racers. For pushing 

 about a large estuary under head-sails and mizen a 

 yawl is perfection. Blow high or low, she can most 

 conveniently tend on men and punt seeking their 

 sport near at hand. She can be manoeuvred by 

 two men easily, and with perfect safety, though 

 of thirty tons measurement, whilst her other crew 

 are away in the punt or following boat. But what- 

 ever craft be chosen, let her be under-canvassed 

 and light-sparred, if you wish for comfort when 

 winter-shooting round the coast. And whatever 

 her style, rig, or size may be, let her be so built 

 that she will list but to a slight extent when left 

 dry. The comfort, safety, and addition to your 

 chance of sport such capability ensures is incal- 

 culable. 



Your vessel may be fitted below neat and strong, 

 but plain. Mirrors, pictures, bookshelves, gun- 

 racks, and such movable and fragile furniture 

 should be eschewed, for they swing, creak, and 

 bump in every little sea. They are terribly in 

 the way, and give no idea of comfort or con- 

 venience to a fowler. He would rather have 

 polished panels reflecting the bright fire, and 

 warm curtains than a hundred such gimcracks. The 

 vessel, if a small one (as most are when built for 

 shooting), should have two large cabins, one for 

 living, the other for sleeping, and fo'castle for crew. 

 The usual error made in small yachts is the 

 division of the space below into minute and un- 

 comfortable cabins, so as to lead a buyer into the 

 idea that there is great room for size. One fair- 



