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Japanese Ferry-Boat

T has always been endangered while being transported by a problem with our admirable Ferry-boats. men how they In the river Mersey the boats which should overcome cross from Liverpool to Berkenhead are the sea, and cross much smaller than those used on our the water from American rivers. They are very light; shore to shore. they dance upon the tide; they are very One of the most apt to make one seasick if the weather is singular methods at all rough and boisterous; they are of transporting unsuited for carrying heavy freight. Such people and freight as they are, they answer their purpose across streams very well, and one would think each prevailed among the ancient Japanese. might be a nucleus or seed from which a The Ferry-boats plying between Jersey very large and splendid American Ferry- City and New York have a world-wide boat could be evolved. fame. They are things of wonder to for- Among eastern nations, especially in eigners who visit this land of ours, as the olden time, Ferry-boats possessed a nothing like them, certainly nothing equal to them, can be seen in any other part of the globe. very singular character. We present the reader with an engraving showing a company of Japanese ladies in what, by com- On one of these Ferry-boats a score of pliment, we will call a Ferry-boat. The loaded vehicles and a thousand persons sea, with its surroundings, is quite charmay be carried at a single trip. The acteristic of Japan. The buildings have pilotage is something wonderful, and an Oriental appearance, the square towers when we are crossing the water in one of and plain walls being especially noticethese conveyances we are not apt to think able. of the skill, clear eyesight and measuring On the river is a little Boat containing of distances required to keep our craft a number of ladies, and it is not difficult away from danger of collision with other to determine at once to what nationality vessels. It is only when some accident they belong. Here is seen the inevitable occurs that we realize that human life is Japanese fan. A Japanese lady without her fan would be a curiosity. Over the much in use now in the waters of Japan group is spread out a large parasol, held as many years ago, but occasionally witby the hand of a servant. The ladies nessed even at the present day. To an seem to be enjoying a pleasant Boat ride. American visiting that eastern land, and But it is the manner in which they are one who is accustomed to the great transcrossing the stream that is especially to portation boats plying between the towns be noticed. The motive-power is not that line the banks of our rivers, this steam; the fairy Boat is not propelled by mode of conveyance seems very curious, an engine; not even oars are used, such and even ludicrous.