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CHAPTEK XIV. 



THE HOUSEBOAT UP-COUNTRY 



THE LOWDAH (I). 



npHE success or failure of a shooting trip so largely depends upon the lowdah's knowledge 

 * of the country and the control he has over his crew that the owner should take unusual 

 care in the selection of the individual to whom he entrusts both his property and his 

 pleasure. A young lowdah is far better than the old fossils one so frequently sees, as he 

 will not have got into the time-honoured groove of doing as little work as possible, while he 

 will always be under some control if his wages be paid to him only through his parents or 

 some other relation. The Wusieh boatmen are the best and not so independent as might be 

 expected. In earlier days much more attention was bestowed upon the boat and upon the many 

 details incidental to a shooting trip than is, unfortunately, the case to-day. Matters were 

 more looked into personally, and not by the " boy " as deputy, and the owner's energy in a 

 measure was reflected in the crew, with the result that lowdah and coolies showed some 

 apparent interest in their ships, in their voyage and in the success of the outing. However, 

 there may still be those who may find something instructive in the following lines. 



The management of the boat depends chiefly on the lowdah, but he must be carefully 

 looked after and kept up to the mark ; if he finds that he is allowed to do as he likes, he 

 will soon get careless, and the progress of the boat be reduced to a minimum. 



Duties. — He should have sole charge of, and be responsible for, the boat, and when 

 not in use he should see that she is anchored in a safe position ; kept thoroughly clean, and 

 the doors and windows opened every fine day : that the " bottom boards " are always removed so 

 as to admit a free current of air to the sides of the boat : that the sails and awnings are properly 

 dried after rain : that the mast, yulohs, shears and all unpainted wood about the boat are kept 

 well oiled with China wood oil (a precaution which will preserve the wood for years), and that 

 if he goes on shore, another lowdah or a trustworthy coolie be left in charge of the boat 

 Before giving charge of the boat to the lowdah, make him take an inventory (in Chinese) 

 of all the articles in the boat, compare this carefully with your own list, and see that nothing 

 is omitted ; when correct, make him give you an exact copy of it for future reference. The 

 cushions and pillows should be removed from the boat when not in use. 



Wages. — The usual wages vary from $I0 to $14 per month, the latter being the 

 maximum rate that should be paid to any man, and then only to an old and tried servant. 



