66 



BROADLAND SPORT 



evenings, w.c., and every other luxury that heart can desire 

 on a house-boat. No wonder in Norfolk these craft are so 

 much appreciated and in such great request, especially during 

 the summer months. 



Norfolk wherries, which were until recent years used only 

 for trading purposes, range from fifteen to sixty tons burden, 

 and to contend against the roughness of the intending usage 

 they are clinker built, well tarred and pitched. A narrow 

 deck, or quanting path, runs all round the vessel ; there are 

 no bulwarks, and the navigators' cabin is situated aft. The 

 fore deck makes a good size platform, under which is a 

 store-room for spare gear; the hold is capacious, and 

 the hatches are raised three or four feet above the deck, 

 which in a wherry fitted for pleasure cruising allow windows 



to run all round the ship, so there is no want of light : and, 

 when lying to, these hatches form a magnificent promenade 

 deck. Wherries have but a single sail, of enormous size, held 

 in place by one spar only. This sail is hoisted by a winch, 

 and can be lowered at a minute's notice with the greatest 

 ease. Sometimes it is enlarged by lacing a strip of canvas 

 along its base, which is termed a bonnet. 



The mast is stepped well forward and held by a single 

 fore-stay, and is easily balanced with lead (averaging over 

 a ton in weight), and a boy can lower or raise it to its proper 

 position with the assistance of the aforesaid stay. 



There are hundreds of trading wherries in Norfolk, and 

 of late years a large number have been temporarily or 

 permanently converted into pleasure-going craft. Amongst 

 the latter are many magnificently fitted, with every con- 

 ceivable convenience, luxury and bric-a-brac, which would 

 rival many of the best house-boats on the Thames. 



