STANCHION GUN. 365 



out, and be perfect masters as to building this punt, and 

 then knowing how to use that and the gun. Although 

 as much as is here mentioned may, of course, be known 

 by every one who has seen the punt in question. Many 

 boat-builders have seen it, and ridiculed the idea of not 

 being able to go home and make precisely the same 

 thing. Several, however, have been built by them to 

 order, and, as yet, not one has been done right, though, 

 of course, much like it in appearance. There is not a 

 boat-builder in a thousand who knows any thing about 

 punts, as the best gunners generally make their own, 

 and keep the secret to themselves; or, at all events, 

 from the boat-builders, who would otherwise be making 

 them for every shooter in the port. The best way, 

 therefore, is to get an able gunner to find head, and a 

 good inland carpenter, who works much better and 

 neater at this light board work than a boat-builder, to 

 find hands and tools. I never could get a punt that 

 would answer till I did this. 



Several boat-builders have overhauled mine when 

 they could find a chance to do so ; and every one of 

 their productions, that I have yet seen, was quite laugh- 

 able ; though, to all outward appearance, a good imita- 

 tion. If, therefore, they succeed now, it is but fair to 

 infer that it will be through the help of the engraving. 



Having treated further, perhaps, than was necessary 

 on shooting punts in general, I shall conclude with ex- 

 plaining the one alluded to, which I have found to an- 

 swer best, taking in consideration comfort, safety, and 

 every other point requisite for those sportsmen to whom 

 is offered this part of the book. 



