Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1883-08-22

| The MODERN CANoE.-"Tbe primeval
canoe has passed through process of evo-
lution,' said manufacturer of LIGHT
water craft. The crude dugout was grad.
uallv improved upon until it resulted in
the Indians bark canoe. This was a fast
and serviceable craft, but it was very far
from being comfortable. The paddler sat
on wooden rod instead of seat and the
canoe was very cranky. BY gradual
development the Indian canoe has been
made into the canoe of today. Cruising
canoes are the most popular. The Amer
lean canoe association has decided that
canoe to be entered for races must be a
boat sharp at both ends and not more than
| thirty six inches wide on deck. She NAV
he propelled by sails or paddles, or both,
but she must be capable of being etfectualy
| propelled by n double-b -bladed paddle. The
best canoes have air chambers at the ends
which will float the crew and cargo even
| if the canoe is stove in. Caroes usually
have the keel, bottom, and stem and stern
of oak, while the sides and top are of
cedar. The ribs are of red elm and the
coamings of oak. They are copper fasten.
ed throughout and finished with oil
Bulkheads are built forward of the cock.
pit for dry storage. The craft is steered
by the feet of the padder by means of Il
simple steering gear. A canoe 10 be CON-
pete needs various equipment. The
fittings of the canoe itself are a rudder,
steering gear, cushion, blackboard, pad
dies, masts, spars, sails, blocks and cleats.
One of the most popular models has the
following dimensions: Length IA feet !;
beam, 26 inches; depth amidshp at gun
wales, inches; at ends % inches rise of
deck, 8 inches; cockpit, Is by 60 inches.
"Where are canoes built p'
"Many boat builders will turn out a
canoe when ordered, but the best are made
by special canoe builders. The demand
for them has increased so much within
the last five years that there are several
large canoe yards scattered around the
lake regions. Centreboard canoes are
quite popular. They average Is feet in
length, and are made very stiff They
are completely equipped with masts and
sails that can be unshipped and slowed
away when the voyager paddles. There
is no end to the things canoeist needs
when making cruise, and enthusiasts
are constantly at work perfecting little
labor and space saving devices. There is
u pltCc Ill "Oll iuu CduOc lOI cVel yLulDS
that is needful for comfort, and every
thorough canoeist keeps everything in its
place.
One of the most recent of the many con.
trivances is sort of housekeeper's box,
which is made to fit in special locker in
the canoe. 1t consists of light tin box
s by IL by Is inches. divided into com
partments. One section has three movable
trays, for bacon and crackers. Next are
two boxes for oatmeal and rice, respect.
lively. Then there is large box for flour.
Next is a comp lrtment in which can be
packed three pals, frying pan, sauce
dish, boiler and some small tin pie plates. |
All these utensils are made so that they
fit in each other. The four corners of the
main box are for pepper and salt. In the
middle of tht whole thing is a place for
ice, with compartment for butter next to
it. All this takes up considerably less
than cubic foot. Then there are perfect
ly made stoves, all complete, which can be
packed in a space of about ten inches
square. A modern canoe carries every
necessary for cruise in a remarkably
small space. 1t is not to be wondered at
that canoeing is popular.