FO WLING-PUNTS STERN. 457 



shot, brought to bag more birds than two shots 

 gave me. They could also, especially the double 

 punts with two men aboard, row across open waters 

 I dared not venture on, and pull at all times farther, 

 and the latter faster, to get to fowl pitched at a 

 distance than I could. 



If there had been fewer birds about, a more 

 landlocked estuary, and single punts the rule, I could 

 in a light craft such as this have beaten all. It 

 must be borne in mind that the most successful 

 shots at fowl are often made in the wildest weather, 

 when the birds are huddled in the channels. In a 

 very small punt it is never safe to cross, unattended, 



STERN OF FOWLING-PUNT, 



With sides removed, showing position of hole or loop for towing 

 as well as mooring. Total length, ift. 6in. to ift. Sin. Length on 

 face before cut down to take centre after-deck plank, 4^in. to 5in. 



wide unsheltered waters to reach such shots ; and 

 furthermore, when the channels are merged into 

 one broad extent of sea by the rising tide, making 

 shore in a tiny craft is not always pleasant or even 

 safe. 



Invariably tow a punt by a hole or loop placed 

 halfway down the stern. This will lift her in a sea, 

 and keep water outside. 



Dry seasoned yellow pine is the lightest and most 



