406 THE FOWLER IN IRELAND. 



thing about the punt (unless a very heavy one) and 

 gun, and, except in a small weapon, gives a terribly 

 hard jerk to all fastenings, though no appreciable 

 recoil to the shooter, as the gun cannot, of course, 

 come back towards him. But the block of elm or 

 iron cradle for the swivel-pin is both heavy and awk- 

 ward in a neat light duck-punt. Another plan is by 

 means of a long galvanized iron rod, one end secured 

 to the stem under the deck, the other made fast by 

 bolt or eye to a socket for the gun-crutch. A gun 

 fitted up either of these hard-and-fast ways must be 

 left somewhat heavier by the muzzle than with 

 breeching, as, being without any play, it is always 

 apt when fired to pitch up its fore end. 



As before said, a gun throwing much over a pound 

 of shot should never be rigidly fixed in a light punt ; 

 it would be highly dangerous to the shooter and the 

 punt's safety if fired when aground. To work safely 

 a large gun so fixed, it would require a punt like 

 a barge in strength and size, with recoil block or 

 rod ponderously heavy, two things not conducive to 

 success in shooting. For my part, after trying every 

 kind of recoil spring and check, I have returned to 

 the plain rope breeching ; it is simple, safe, cheap, 

 never gets out of order, and answers the purpose to 

 perfection, and what more is wanted ? It does as 

 well for large or small punts and guns, to any de- 

 scription of which, I will be bound, it will answer if 

 properly applied and fairly tried. About every third 

 year it can be thrown away and another fitted a 

 matter of a few shillings. The rope would last much 

 longer, perhaps thrice as long, but it is best to feel 

 safe from even the bare chance of accident. Always 



