5.--C.H. and L., 17; B.L.S., 0.
" 28.--R.L.S., 5; Som. H., 4.
" 31.--B.L.S., 10; E.H.-S., 5.
_June_ 4.--R.L.S., 15; E.H.-S., 10.
" 7.--E.H.-S., 4; C.H. and L., 3.

Canoeing is about as good an out-door sport as any for the month of
August, but it is a pastime largely restricted to inland waters. You can
paddle and sail a canoe along the sea-shore, of course; but this is
dangerous business for any but the most experienced canoeist, and
thoroughly unadvisable. Canoes were not intended for rough water. But
there is nothing more delightful than to paddle yourself along a winding
stream through the quiet woods, or sail in your light craft across some
beautiful lake in the mountains. To those who have never tasted this
pleasure it can truly be recommended. One of the objections to indulging
in it, many will say, is the expense involved in the purchase of a
canoe. But this may be very easily overcome by any one gifted with even
the slightest constructive ingenuity. If you can saw to a line and plane
an edge, and drive a nail, you can build a canoe for yourself at very
small cost.

[Illustration: Fig. A.]

The simplest kind of canoe is made of canvas, and for the purpose of a
novice in the graceful art of paddling it is just as serviceable as a
more expensive boat. Very little material is required to construct one,
and the cost, including everything, will not exceed $12. First procure
two strips of pine board 12-3/4 feet by 2 inches by 3/4 of an inch; a
bunch of oak strips 1-1/4 by 1/2 inch, and about 4 feet long; a bunch of
pine strips 12 feet long by 1-1/4 by 1/2 inch; and a piece of spruce
12 feet long by 2 inches by 1-1/8 inch. This last piece is to be used
for the keel, to the ends of which are fastened the stem and stern
posts. These are both alike, and should be sawed out of a pine plank in
the curved shape displayed in Fig. A. Lay out your curve on the plank in
pencil first, then saw to the line, and level the edge, so that the prow
will slip through the water easily. Next, saw into both ends of your
keel piece, insert the stem and stem pieces; then plane the keel piece
so that it will come to a point both forward and aft. Fasten these
uprights to the keel with copper nails or rivets. They are better than
any other kind because they do not rust.

[Illustration: Fig. B.]

Next, lay out a cross section of your canoe on a plank, and saw this
out. Your section should be 2 ft. 6 in. across