WILD FOWL SHOOTING. 



attempt to build one. The model must be perfect, the 

 seams impervious to water, the joints, ribs and sides of 

 uniform and correct proportions, and it would be far 

 better to let an experienced boat builder build you one 

 than to undertake it yourself. They should be built of 

 white pine or cedar, and when finished with oars, locks 

 and sculling oar, should cost from $40 to $60. A 

 pretty steep price, think you? That depends on the 

 way you look at it. If proper care is taken of it, it will 

 last ten to twenty years. I saw one a year ago in use in 

 excellent condition, that I used to hunt in when a boy, 

 over twenty years ago. But no man deserves to have 

 a good boat unless he knows how to take the best of 

 care of it. When not in use, it should be protected 

 from the weather in a cool, shady place. Before using 

 in the spring and fall it should be carefully examined, 

 and painted when needed. When taken on the cars, 

 if possible to do so, load and unload it yourself. All 

 brakemen " smoke," but they have very little respect 

 for a hunting boat when the owner is absent. When 

 conveyance is necessary on a wagon, slip an extra quar- 

 ter into the hand of your bucolic driver and ask him to 

 restrain Pegasus and Bucephalus ; at the same time 

 walk at the side of the wagon, and see that the wagon 

 stakes don't shove a hole through the frail sides. A 

 boat is a part of your outfit the most important part. 

 This being the case, your safety depending on it, as a 

 matter of self-preservation, if not love for it, you should 

 guard it. Are you a farmer, dear reader ? If so, don't 

 use your boat like your neighbor does his reaper, his 

 harrow, his plow, his farm machinery, after he has fin- 

 ished his season's work, but give it a protected place 

 and proper shelter. You should take just as good care 



