336 THE FOWLER IN IRELAND. 



sized cabin is worth far more than the three small 

 ones it might be partitioned into. 



I strongly recommend, in a moderate-sized cabin, 

 a swing-table that may be moved away and re- 

 placed as occasion requires. It enables your friend 

 and yourself to draw your folding arm-chairs up to 

 the stove, and with cigar and grog, if so inclined, 

 converse sociably over the fortunes of the day. 



Besides the usual pantry and lavatory, there 

 should be a cupboard, specially arranged with a 

 standing-rack for guns, and strong drawers under- 

 neath lined with copper, each with its label, for 

 powder, shot, and all gunning accessories, with the 

 most reliable of locks and keys. Above all, carry 

 an anchor and chain that would hold a vessel twice 

 her size. 



Punts cannot well be slung from davits in a 

 small yacht ; they are too long and slight, and 

 liable to strain ; but a serviceable gig should be 

 carried, one that will answer as a following boat, 

 ready to aid in case of danger, or to go ashore in 

 rough weather. A punt on deck should be raised 

 at least an inch from the surface, to prevent wet 

 soaking, and to allow her to dry when not in 

 use. This can be done by means of three cross 

 timbers underneath, one fore and one aft, and one 

 in her centre. They should be turned up slightly 

 at each end to prevent the punt slipping, and fit 

 her exactly to keep her shape, and so obviate a 

 strain. They may be fitted at their ends with 

 ring bolts for lashing to similar ones on deck when 

 sailing. These cross pieces can be used, to lower 

 a punt over the sides in a small craft. 



