Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1886-09-12
CHARMS OF EXISTENCE ON ONE OF
THESE MOVABLE HOMES.

THESE MOVABLE HOMES.
None of the Discomforts of Life in q
yiila-Cook and Kitchen-Sleeping Ac-
comm modatiops - Interior Decorations
and Comforts-At Night.
About six years ago domicils on a house
boat was viewed i'll the light of an eccen-
tricity. At the present time sixty or more of
these movable homes fringe the edge Of the
Bucks shore and, with their brilliant drapcry
and flower sardened fronts, impart color and
animation To a town that was formerly ac-
credited with drowSine~s during 80 days in
the year. Life on housebOat ofr.rs many
charms besides that Of variety Ne are most
of us acquainted with the recommendations
set forth in favor of life on u fiat; the house
boat may lay claim to all OF them, with the
additional advantage Of felicity for chang
ing aspect, position, neighbors, and encourage
whenever a desire for fresh scenes and society
arises On houseboat there is none of the
1isComforts OF a semi-detached villa. and
neither need for nor any possibility of many
servants. Upon these latter the atmosphere
Of the river houses seems to exercise a happy
influence.
COOK AND KITCHEN.
The difficulty cook experiences when in
town of sending up a dinner, unless her we'll
appointed kitchen be supplied with every
modern invention and device, appears never
to occur TO her when ON board boat. There
her sanctum Of about four feet square, with
utensils in prUportionate limits, and the at
mosphere of an inferno, satisfy all the re-
quirements Of that, under other circum-
stances, exacting woman. Is it that, like her
betters, she has a sense Of pleasure i'll discOv-
ering that she is possessed of undreamed OF
resourccsi Or is it the small excitementS,
shifting scene, and somewhat relaxed dignity
| OF the surroundings Of her employers awaken
in her feeling of community of interests
The cause is inexplirak!e, bu: the fact re-
mains.
A second woman on board is in the acci-
dental rather than the regular course of
events, rs mans services prove more eff
cient in n boat which can rarely place more
:han two berths at TIE disposal Of the ser
vGats. The pantry for table requisites is
equally limited, but then every glass and cup
tits into its appointed groove; and when each
hing has place and duly fills it. there Is no
sense Of Ovcrcrunding. The skcping accom-
moda;ioI is sapPortioDed with similar economy,
VI sliAlt ~
those which prevail ON yachts and steamers;
verything done for the promotion of com
tort and exclusion Of su,perfluties The draw.
.Eg and dining rooms afford more scope for
oTnamentation. Turkey carpets impart a
feeling of luxury; the velvet cushions Of the
couches are made movable, and do accept
able service in large and skiT. The tops Of
Upright pianos are easily converted into
available M ,,,-bi ,hnr.
graphs, pictures and a variety of scrviccable
ornaments Cabinets fit into every corner,
and form receptacles for painting or sketch
ing requisites and work.
THE ROOF OR DECK
I'm many instances a large and seryiceabIe
japanese lantern hangs from the centre of the
ceiling hansed with japanese fans Palm
leaves, Pampas grass and Makart boquets
are all available decorations, and much taste
and ingenuity are shown in the arrangement
of mirrors TO double the proportions of the
saloons. Few boats can boast of a room so
spacious as that afforded by the roof or deck
of a houseboat. Although the latter varies
in size as much in form and decoration,
fifty and sixty feet in length are by No means
unusual, and the social home life is mostly
passed. on these fiat roofs, which are also the
scene of numerous al fresco entertainments
Some are entirely devoid Of awnings, others
have CanOpies represented by huge japanese
umbrellas; but most of the larger boats show
canvas, either arched or straight, stretching
from stem TO stern Pendent from the center
are baskets of flowers and numerous Japan
ese lanterns
Entertainment without limit seems TO be
the order of river life; SO long as the fine
weather and presence of neighbors continue
As night draws near, and the twilight fades
into the dusk which renders every surround
Ing oh ject dim, the excursions on the water
cease. Then each boat and launch puts forth
its lights, and snatches of song with musical
accOmpaniments are heard along the stretch
of river. In the pauses may occasionally be
discerned the note of the corncrake from the
adjacent shore, or the distant sounds from
neighboring town or village. 1t is often late
before all the occupants of the boats sink into
silence, the temptation t. watch quiet
river, sky and moon are moFc alluring than
the tiny berth below Dress requirements are
happily few, and those habituated to the river
life may he distinguished by the simplicity of
their attire. Plain skirts of serge or flannel
are mostly adopted, with skirts of washing
silk. The boats colors are shown il the neck
tie, hat and wRisthand, and its name OH the
silver bur'klv that clasps the latter.-London
Green