210 THE SALT OF MY LIFE 



agreeable in all but one particular. It has pleased 

 those who cater for the week-end public to run 

 large steamers between these Kentish resorts and 

 the metropolis, with the result that on Sundays 

 at any rate a very fearful collection of semi- 

 human wildfowl is diffused among the coast towns 

 for several hours, massing on the piers and jetties 

 towards the hour of return. A few score of these 

 filthy ruffians gathered on the upper deck of the 

 Extension immediately over our heads, on one 

 occasion and went from unnoticed chaff to more 

 aggressive measures of annoyance. Cigarette ends 

 were the first missiles, and it would have been 

 well had they stayed at these, but unfortunately 

 there is a species of human beast that cannot find 

 itself immediately over the heads of its more 

 respectable fellow-creatures without resorting to 

 a disgusting act, in which the marksmanship of 

 the llama and archer-fish is emulated if not sur- 

 passed. The spitting hooligan is so base a coward 

 that he rarely indulges in his beastiality if there 

 is the smallest chance of reprisal, but it will easily 

 be understood that the occupants of a boat moored 

 at some distance from any landing steps are 

 peculiarly helpless. I would suggest to the author- 

 ities on the Jetty Extension at Margate that, as 

 other pier companies find anglers worth encourag- 

 ing, and do what is possible to ensure their comfort, 

 it might be worth their while to make a nominal 



