Wichita eagle., 1886-09-29

CHARMS OF EXISTENCE ON ONE OF
THESE MOVABLE HOMES.
None of the Discomforts Of Life in
Villa-Cook and Kitchen-Sleeping Ac
commodations - Interior Decoration
and Comforts-At Night.
About six years ago domicile on a house
boat was viewed in the light of an eccen
trlcity. At the present time sixty or more o.
these movable homes fringe the edge Of tn,
Bucks shore, and, with their brilliant draper
and flower gardened fronts, impart color ano
animation to town that was formerly nc
credited with drowsiness during 800 days in
the year. Life on q houseboat offers many
caarms besides that Of variety. We are most
OF us acquainted with the recommendations
set forth in favor Of life on a fiat; the house
boat may lay claim to all of them, with the
additional advantage Of a felicity for chang
ing aspect, position, neighbors, and encourage
whenever desire for fresh scenes and society
arises. On houseboat there is none OF the
discomforts 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 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 a boat There
her sanctum of about four feet square, with
utensils in proportionate limits and the at
mosphero of an inferno, satisfy all the re-
qulrements Of that, under other circunl-
stances, exacting woman. Is it that, like her
betters, she has a sense Of pleasure in discov-
erlng that she is possessed of undreamed Of
resources! Or is it tho 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 inexplicable, but the fact re-
mains.
A second woman on board is in the acci-
dental rather than the regular course of
events, rs q mans services prove more eff
clent in boat which can rarely place more
than two berths at the disposal of the SER
wants. The pantry for table requisites is
equally limited, but then every glass and cup
hts INTO Its appointed groove; and when each
thing has place and duly fills it, there is no
sense Of ovcrcrowding The sleeping accom-
modation is sapportioned with similar economy.
the arrangement of berths being the same as
those which prevail on yachts and steamers;
everything done for the promotion of COM
tort and exclusion of superfiuities The draw
ing and dining rooms afford more scope for
ornamentation. Turkey carpets impart
feeling Of luxury; the velvet cushions of the
couchcs are made movable, and do accept
able service in barge ard skiff. The tops Of
upright pianos are easily converted into
available etageres, Oh which are placed photo
graphs, pictures and variety Of serviceable
ornaments. Cabinets fit into every corner,
and form reeeptacles for painting OF sketch
ing requisites and work
TIE ROOF OR DECK
In many instances a large and serviceable
japanese lantern hangs from the centre of the |
ceiling 1anked with japanese fans. Palm |
leaves, Pampas grass and Makart bouuets |
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 q room SO
spacious as that afforded by the roof or deck
OF houseboat. Although the latter varies
IN slzo as much as in form and decoration.
fifty and sixty feet in length arc by 10 means
and the social homo life is mostly
passed on these fat roofs, which are also the
scene of numerous al fresco entertainments.
Some are entirely devoid of awnings, others
have canopies represented by huge Japanese
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 tho fine
weather and presence of neighbors continue.
AS night draws near, and the twilight fades
into the dusk which renders every surround
ing object dim, the excursions on the water
cease. Then each boat and launch puts forth
IS lights, and slitches OF song with musical
are heard along the stretch
If river. In the pauses may occasionally be
iiscerned tho note of the corncrake from tho
ADJACENT shore, or the distant sounds from
town or village. 1t is often late
before all tho occupants of the boats sink into |
aence, as the temptation TO watch quiet !.
liver. sky and moon!re more allurins than
he tiny berth below. Dress requirements are
happily few, and those habituated to the river >
ife may be distinguished 10y tho simplicity of
heir attire Plain skirts OF serge or flannel
lre mostly adopted, with skirts Of washing
ilk. The boats colors are shown ir the neck =
lie, hat and waistband, and its name on the
liver buckle that clasps the latter.-London
Queen.