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CHAPTER Xll—Contiiiued. 



THE HOUSEBOAT. 



II. 



By Captain John P. Roberts. 



A FTER the suppression of the Taiping Rebellion, in l86l, a very large and level tract 

 ^ of country thickly intersected with water-courses was thrown open to sportsmen ; 

 and, as the ruined villages and deserted fields were well stocked with pheasants and 

 other game, a demand was created for boats suitable for navigating the numberless 

 creeks watering this large shooting area. Many of these creeks, as is well known, are 

 narrow, tortuous and shallow, with bridges spanning them at short intervals; while 

 others are straight wide stretches of comparatively deep water, frequently expanding into 

 lakes of great extent where sail power can generally be utilized. The first houseboats 

 were roughly constructed and poorly fitted ; and to thoroughly enjoy an up-country trip in 

 those days especially in the winter, one needed good health and the strength to "rough it," 

 for it was then thought effeminate and unhealthy, amongst other fads, to have the cabin 

 heated by a stove ; and appliances now considered indispensable were then wanting 

 entirely or were of the most primitive nature. The march of improvement, however, has 

 effected a change, and for comfort and adaptation to the purpose intended the best 

 houseboats of later days are well advanced towards perfection. Although similar in 

 general design, they differ in model-dimensions and cabin arrangement; and as regards 

 such matters, a great deal depends upon whether the boat is intended expressly for shooting 

 trips in the interior of several days or weeks' duration for conveying large picnic parties, or 

 for seating a great number of people at dinner, as on a night for instance when the band 

 plays in the Public Garden. For the latter purpose there is practically no limit to size and 

 luxurious appointments except the purse of the owner; but a shooting-boat must conform 

 to the requirements of the navigable waters that lead to the best game districts. Opinions 

 differ upon the subject, but the following are given as representing the views of the 

 majority of those who go up-country expressly for sport. A first-class boat should be 45 

 feet long, ll/i feet wide outside of guards, and with crew and stores on board should 

 draw not more than 14 inches of water. The model below the water-line should be like 

 the elongated bowl of a spoon, point forward, but with more fulness in the bilges, and 

 the bow should curve upwards and be 4 feet wide at the gunwale, similar to that of the 

 floating palace Elephanta. This form of bow offers little resistance in rough water, is 



