In this manner the model was pulled to pieces, and from the edges of the transverse sections the shape of the craft was to be obtained. The stern-post, stern-knees and transoms were to be shaped in the same way. The captain stated that the model represented the craft after she was planked, and it would be necessary, in drafting the moulds, to allow for its thickness. Mr. Jepson then took the platform and explained in what manner the outlines of the half sections were to be enlarged. To give all the details would take a whole volume, and doubtless it would be very dry reading to most young people. Only an idea of how the work was to be done can be given, and those who wish to build such a craft as the Lily, or even a boat or a canoe of a third of her length, need full drawings and very minute explanations.[A] These lectures used up the rest of the afternoon. The next day was devoted to making the moulds. At the end of ten days the frame was ready to set up. The keel was laid down at an angle of three-quarters of an inch to the foot, so that it would readily slide off when the time came to launch it. The boys had been studying on the subject, and the principal had supplied the library with all the available works. They labored very hard because they were very deeply interested. Setting up the frame was an exceedingly exciting labor with them; but when it was up they found the shape corresponded with the model. Some had done their work better than others, and here and there it was necessary to do considerable fitting. In another week the frame was ready for the planking. Captain Gildrock gave frequent lectures on the proper methods of doing the work, and explained the construction of larger vessels than the Lily. A part of the Champlain mechanics, as they still called themselves, worked in the shop, and a part in the building-shed. There were a great many bolts of iron and copper, and a great many metal plates, braces and straps to be prepared, which gave abundant employment to the machinists, who had been instructed by the head of this department in forge-work, as well as filing and turning. The carpenters had plenty to do in the shop, with abundant opportunity to learn many things which are not required in the ordinary experience of such mechanics. There was also room enough for the exercise of their inventive powers. With so many enthusiastic workmen, who found abundant variety in their operations as the schooner advanced towards completion, the planking was soon finished. Then a dozen of the carpenters went to work upon it with the smoothing-planes, and the outer surface was made as smooth as a floor.