26 4 



REMARKS ON BEACH 



under side, and secured on the top by nuts let into the upper 

 surface. These rollers did not sink into the sand as wheels 

 would have done, and much facilitated the work : but on dry 

 sand above high-water mark I found ways of hard wood five 



FIG, 84. Boat Carriage for a Flat Sandy Shore. 



feet in length and four inches in breadth preferable, as the 

 rollers drove the sand before them and choked themselves. 

 On this shore the tide ebbed about six hundred feet, but 

 watching the tides I rarely had half the distance to go over. 



It often happens that there is excellent fishing off a coast of 

 this kind, consequently if undeterred by a little labour very 

 good sport may be had. Boats for such coasts should be built 

 of fir for lightness. 



On the coast of Ireland boats called ' Curraghs,' constructed 

 of a framework of wood covered with canvas, are in use ; and 

 a smaller description for Salmon-fishing are found on the 

 Severn and Wye &c., and termed * Coracles.' 



In launching off a flat sandy shore, get the boat nearly 

 afloat, and having crossed the oars in their places, drop the 

 handles inside; if alone, stand at the stern in the water holding 

 the boat at right angles to the waves, and when you perceive a 

 smooth, shove off and pull seaward as fast as possible. If 

 caught by a breaker, hold the boat up with the oars but do not 

 force against it, and she will split the wave with her bow 

 without damage, unless an excessively bad one. 



Beaching or Landing. In landing under sail keep your 

 boat straight before the sea, and if she steers wild take in the 

 mizen if you carry one, or bring a little more weight aft ; let 



