96 A RIVER OF NORWAY 



ary to use flat-bottomed punts, with a pointed 

 bow and a square stern. As they seemed very 

 convenient, I imported a couple ; but our men 

 would have nothing to do with them, and it is 

 useless to fight against local prejudice. 



It is very advisable to chain and padlock the 

 boats ; for the artful native, even if he does not 

 borrow them for a little private fishing at con- 

 venient hours, which he thinks will not clash 

 with our arrangements, is fond of making use of 

 them as a means of crossing the river. And it 

 is annoying, on arrival at a pool, to see your 

 boat on the other side, where you cannot get 

 at it. 



