Note 240 — Chapter XVII
Reading edition
He had wisely fitted a centre-board in his 14-feet canoe at my suggestion. This sliding keel answered well for sailing, and all our large canoes are now thus fitted. Mr. Berthons’ portable canoe can be carried flat under one arm. Canoe sails are dangerous unless they can be lowered in an instant. So are the sails of a frigate in a sudden squall. The ‘Eurydice,’ which I saw in Portsmouth harbour, is a warning for ever.