86 



EQUIPMENT. 



When the priming has been allowed to harden 

 thoroughly, strips of sheet-zinc should 

 be bent on and tacked smoothly 

 around the edges of the bottom, from 

 the bow back to midships. This will 

 - protect the boat from damage whilst 

 cutting through thin ice, and will save 

 wear in various ways. It should ex 

 tend up the sides about four inches at 

 the bow, but farther back it may de- 

 crease gradually to half that width. 

 ! On the bottom it should lap about 

 ! two inches. The putting on of zinc 

 1 is so simple an operation that an ex 

 j planation is unnecessary. Another fin 

 ' ishing coat of paint, and the boat is 

 complete. 



The oars, which are usually cheaper 

 bought than made, should be seven 

 feet in length, and bound round with 

 leather for about eight inches where 

 they rest in the oar-locks. A light 

 paddle about nine feet in length is 

 also necessary, for paddling when 

 standing up, or for pushing in shoal 

 water or through brush. The oars should 



