158 LETTERS TO MARCO xxiv 



that has survived to the present times very 

 little changed from mediaeval days. The 

 various shapes, streaks, spots, etc., I imagine 

 to have a very close relation to the ancient 

 adornment of the galleys of our ancestors ; 

 there is a universally recurring yellow circle, 

 which I have little doubt is a survival of a 

 solar symbol. 



On the deck of these cabins you may 

 perhaps have observed a large, brightly- 

 painted can ; this is called a deck-can, and 

 holds the drinking-water; the bargemen 

 replenish these cans during the journey 

 through high levels at favourite springs. 

 They hold about two gallons or rather more, 

 are usually painted green with a red band 

 round the centre, on which is the name of the 

 barge, the handles are bright red, and the 

 whole can profusely decorated with flowers, 

 etc. They have a broad, strong base, and 

 stand firmly ; there are little lids to the top 

 and to the spout to keep dust out. I never 

 saw these cans anywhere but on barges, and 



