114 WITH BOAT AND GUN IN THE YANGTZE VALLEY. 



Coolies are paid at the rate of 300 cash a day. A small " cumshaw " to a coolie who 

 can beat cover well will be found to be money well expended. 



Selection of Crew.— The day before starting for a long trip, make the lowdah 

 parade the crew, and see that the men are, at least, clean looking. 



It is a common practice for lowdahs to engage one or two weak, half-starved 

 beggars, who are kept in the back ground until the boat is under way, and it is too late to 

 change them. These men are glad to come for a low rate of pay, and the lowdah pockets 

 the difference. 



The annoyance caused by having such men in the crew is serious, they cannot do 

 their share of the work either as boatmen or as beaters. More than once it has happened 

 that a boatman of this class has died on board the boat, causing endless trouble and 

 expense to the shooting party. One or two of the crew should be able to speak a few words 

 of English — an accomplishment which will be found of great service if they are wanted as 

 beaters. 



Be careful to give the lowdah several days' notice before starting on a long up- 

 country trip, especially if you are leaving at Christmas time or near the China New Year 

 holidays, when there is a great demand for coolies. 



FOOD for the boat coolies is provided by the lowdah who makes his own arrange- 

 ments with the crew. 



Beaters. — Coolies who are used as beaters and work well should be rewarded with 

 a small "cumshaw," which should be given to them personally, not through the lowdah. 



After a long day's work at beating, especially in wet weather, a small quantity of 

 spirits and water may be given to the beaters on their return to the boat. They will work 

 all the better if they think that their exertions are appreciated, and will be rewarded. 



Never throw away an old pair of boots ! Keep them until you go up-country, and then 

 hand them over to the coolies employed as beaters. It is cruel to expect a coolie to work 

 for hours at a time through covert, and over stubble, with nothing but straw shoes to 

 protect his feet. 



MANAGEMENT OF THE BOAT WHEN UP-COUNTRY (H.) 

 Tracking is much easier work for the boatmen than yulohing, and, though the speed 

 of the boat may be somewhat less, it is more certain — 3 miles, or 9 //, per hour ought to be 

 easily accomplished, unless against a very strong head wind or tide. 



Yulohing. — The speed of different boats varies considerably, but under favour- 

 able circumstances an average rate of 3/^^ miles, or 10 // per hour ought to be kept up. 

 On long trips the second yuloh should only be used when absolutely necessary ; it tires the 

 crew who generally work in gangs (one gang working at the large yuloh, whilst the other 

 men rest) and does not materially add to the speed of the boat. 



Sailing. — The sail should be made use of whenever possible, as it gives the crew a 

 chance of restmg. When under sail on a dark night, a lamp should always be conspicuously 

 displayed, and a boatman invariably kept on the look-out at the bow of the boat. Serious 

 accidents have occurred from neglect of the latter precautions. It is not a pleasant 

 sensation to be roused out of a sound sleep by a heavy crash and to find before your eyes 

 are well open that the boat is full of water and sinking under you. 



