Sidebilder
PDF
ePub

way deal; she was light and buoyant, sailed well, and answered every purpose for which she was intended; she was 22 feet in length. A clever country boat-builder completed her under three weeks, with the assistance of two persons to do the rough work. Having witnessed her construction at intervals during its progress, I will give the best explanation I am able as to the modus operandi. I must, however, refer those of my readers who are desirous of obtaining fuller information to Colonel Hawker's admirable work. He is, in fact, the parent of these gunning-punts, having, I believe, originated and most unquestionably brought them to perfection, and the sporting world are much indebted to him for the elaborate and perspicuous manner in which he has conveyed his communications.

The punt whose construction I witnessed was built after Colonel Hawker's last model, but entirely of Norway deal, save the timbers, which, of necessity, were of ash. Length from stem to stern, 22 feet 7 inches; at bottom, 21 feet 10 inches. The bottom planks were half an inch thick, the centre plank not being thicker than the others, as in Colonel Hawker's, this being a deviation from his plan. He recommends the centre plank to be 1 inch thick, for the purpose of receiving the staunchion; but when it is intended only to use a single gun, it can be

supported by the deck, with the assistance of a copper rest at the stem of the punt, and moved as the gunner may wish, subject, however, at all times to the salutary restraint of a powerful rope breeching. A small block may be fixed for the reception of the mast. After the bottom planks are fastened together, and reduced at their extreme ends to their proper shape, a strong cord is then tied round tightly in several places, so as to give to the bottom a slight convexity of shape; because, if the bottom were perfectly flat, the punt would neither sail so well, pass so easily through shallow places, nor be moved to and from the shore with the same facility. If the convexity were too great, it would make the punt less safe, but it ought to be so slight as to be scarcely perceptible, in which case it will not diminish its security in the slightest degree.

During the time the bottom remains fastened (two days will be sufficient for the purpose), the sides may be prepared; these may be three-eighths of an inch in thickness, height at bow 4 inches, astern 10 inches. They must be inclined outwards, so as to admit of the deck amidships being 9 inches wider than the bottom, i.e. 4 feet 9 inches, the bottom being 4 feet in width. This external inclination of the sides is very essential to security. After the sides are added to the bottom, the timbers, which must be of tough

ash, steamed or boiled, so as to render them pliable, may be fastened with copper nails, and securely riveted; they must be at intervals of about nine inches. The decks may then be fixed; it is important that they be slightly convex, both fore, aft and elsewhere, so that no water can lodge, which would otherwise be attended with great inconvenience and some risk, especially in frosty weather, by becoming congealed, and rendering the gunner's movements thereon, whilst loading, insecure and dangerous.

The decks may be covered with waterproof canvas, which must fit closely and securely. Canvas painted on the outside will answer the purpose, and if applied to the decks immediately after they are tarred, it will adhere firmly and give strength to the punt without adding to its weight. When this operation is finished, the bulwarks may be annexed. These should be 4 inches in height forward, gradually declining aft to 2. Openings must be left for skulling; these to be closed when their use is not required, the moveable parts being made to fit well. There will be an aperture in the bulwarks fore, to receive the gun, and this part of the deck will be made sufficiently strong to support the gun with the assistance of the copper rest at the stem.

The thowles or rullocks may now be placed at proper intervals for skulling or rowing; sometimes

these are moveable, but I think it will be found more convenient to have them fixed, and there may perhaps be an advantage in having them covered with leather, especially for night-work, as the slightest noise will sometimes alarm and disturb widgeon, their sense of hearing being very acute. It will be as well to protect the bottom of the punt by having light, thin planks laid down, one-eighth of an inch in thickness; these to be moveable; and upon them you may place any suitable covering you may think proper to lie down upon. The opening in a punt of 22 feet will be sufficiently large to admit of three persons lying down conveniently, being 6 feet in length.

When the punt is not in use, she ought to be protected by a light covering, fitting exactly over her bulwarks. The stem may be rendered more secure against damage arising from collision with rocky or stony ground, when forced through shallow places, by having a slight covering of copper. Before the punt is used and put to sea, she must be well tarred in the inside, and the outside may be painted, with the exception of the bottom, which must be tarred and calked; and this latter operation must be repeated at intervals, if the punt be much used, so as to make her perfectly water-tight.

Slate-colour will perhaps be found the best for the deck and sides, but the nearer it approaches

the colour of the water the better, so as to be as little perceptible as possible. There will be a copper fastening to receive the mast in the deck, immediately under that part which is open to sustain the gun. The mast will obtain further support from a block, fixed in the bottom of the punt to receive it, if the centre plank has not been originally made of sufficient thickness for the purpose; and this point is worthy of consideration at the time of building. The mast should be nine feet in height, the sail to correspond, with reefs, in case of necessity; the rudder, as in all small boats, will of course be moveable.

The loading rod for large guns ought to be made of the lightest possible wood, with a thin copper cylinder at the end to receive the powder, partly open on one side, so that when it reaches the breech of the gun, the powder which it conveys may be deposited therein on the rod being reversed; the person loading elevating the gun as much as possible from its horizontal position, so that the powder may reach its destination. The handle of the rod can be flat on the open side of this cylinder, so as to be sensible to the touch in the dark, in which case this operation may be performed at night without mistake.

Suitable wadding can be had from any London gun-maker, and it is essential that this be securely rammed down on the powder; attention cannot

« ForrigeFortsett »