114 DUCK BOATS. 



other of the hong merchants, which are "well 

 worthy the notice of a stranger. 



Among the Chinese novelties to be seen in the 

 vicinity of Canton, but more especially about 

 Whampoa, are the duck-boats, used as residences 

 for the owners and their families, as well as 

 for their numerous feathered charge. The 

 fledged bipeds inhabit the hold of the boat, and 

 the human bipeds, or keepers, the upper accom- 

 modations of the vessel. These boats are most 

 abundant about the rice-fields, near the river, 

 soon after the harvest has been gathered in, 

 as at that time the broad-billed animals glean the 

 fields, and have a better prospect of a supply of 

 food than at any other period. The owner of the 

 boat moves it about from place to place, accord- 

 ing to the opportunities that may be offered to 

 him of feeding his flock. 



On the arrival of the boat at the appointed 

 spot, or one considered proper for feeding the 

 quacking tribe, a signal of a whistle causes the 

 flock to waddle in regular order from their domi- 

 cile across the board placed for their accommoda- 

 tion, and then rambling about undergo the process 

 of feeding. When it is considered by their keeper 

 that they have gorged sufficiently, another signal 

 is made for the return of the birds : immediately 



