NATURE NEAR LONDON 



it is evident that a barge-port is near a haven 

 where barges discharge their cargoes. A by-way 

 leads down to the river where boats are lying for 

 hire a dozen narrow punts, waiting at this an- 

 chorage till groundbait be lawful. The ends of 

 varnished skiffs, high and dry, are visible in a shed 

 carefully covered with canvass; while sheaves of 

 oars and sculls lean against the wooden wall. 



Through the open doors of another shed there 

 may be had a glimpse of shavings and tools, and 

 slight battens crossing the workshop in apparent 

 confusion, forming a curious framework. These 

 are the boat-builder's struts and stays, and contriv- 

 ances to keep the boat in rigid position, that her 

 lines may be true and delicate, strake upon strake 

 of dull red mahogany rising from the beechen keel, 

 for the craftsman strings his boat almost as a 

 violinist strings his violin, with the greatest care 

 and heed, and with a right adjustment of curve 

 and due proportion. There is not much clinking, 

 or sawing, or thumping j little noise, but much 

 skill. 



Gradually the scene opens. Far down a white 

 bridge spans the river ; on the shore red-tiled and 

 gabled houses crowd to the very edge ; and behind 

 them a church tower stands out clear against the 

 sky. There are barges everywhere. By the 

 towing-path colliers are waiting to be drawn up 



