New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-06-30
HOME AND SOCIETY.
THE FASHIONABLE HoUsEBOAT.


II 4. interesting fo role how a idea frequently
obtains some lt'ie faStr then langushes for year
or two for no Egparelt reason. ana then equally.
without asditiona, c4uec. suddenly springs into
yos, animated existence. often amounting to posi-
tive craze. Sports are very apt to follow this I'M
written law ono Of the most notable examples being
that OF the bicycle fever. the idea. for women at
least being received at first with scant favor. and
having now developed into a regular epidemic Fol-
lowing the history and symptoms of such move
ments II now seems safe TO assume that houseboat
ing will In the future become one OF the most popu-
lar forms OF our summer existence combining as 1t
does the pleasure of aquatic life with the secu
rity and comfort OF a home.
This novel method of existence has increased in
favor greatly OF late both in England (which may
be termed it's birthplace. although the idea Is dis
t!nctly Eastern in It's orign and also the Conti
nent. Any number of those pretty fiower-bedecked,
hybrid dwellings have sprung Into existence along
the Rhine and the borders of the Swiss lakes. 1t Is
only within the last year. however, that they have
obtained a footho.d rather, one might say
anchorage in this country. But their number is al
ready increasing. and in few years they will I'M
doubtedly be much Of an institution as the noun
tain encampments the small and comfortable sea-
shore cottages where health and enjoyable living
may be found at q minimum OF cost. The canal
boat turned into sort OF floating house mas peeh
favore experiment for several years with artis's'
but this. although Pleasant IN Its way mas not oeeh
found altogether practical. In the hrSt place. the
boat itself is very expensive. A canalboat when
new costs from $1,000 to 5000. and old one in
anything Ike good condition could not be bought al
less than $500 $500. For this sum much more
suitable foundation be built. Secondly, the soes
much too high, especially when unioaded IL
this lower space is utilized II is hard to ventilate'
and the bilge water is apt 10 become very trouble
some and disagreeable. Then they are cumbrous and
unnecessarily heavy. being built TO carry immense
weight: and lastly. and chiefly. their worst feature
Is the squared ends. 1t is necessary that house
boat should have Prov to come into the WIND
with during gale. as however shallow the anehoT-
age the effect OF storm on the water must always
be considered. although it Is really safer in many
Instances to be afoat than ashore.
Canalboats have so often been suggested as
Households that it is for this their obvious
disadvantages pointed out 10 those who ccAtem-
plate houseboating. A low. shallow scow. with
PROV is really what is needed as foundation, and
upon this the house may be built. The English
Households are very convenient. and look not I'M
like OF small river steamboats,, without the
smokestack. only really pretty part about them
being their extremely smart appearance. They are
garnished with flowers growing in boxes. hanging
baskets and IN every direction, while the lines
from Prov 10 peak are strung with galy futterng
flags. The festive appearance Of the occupants. too.
adds li;t.e their holiday guse. The men are
in white hannes and the in still gayer attire.
altogether presenting a charming little bit OF we
play There is no reason. however. why as much in
dividual and architectural taste should not be dis
played In the construction OF a houseboat as in
cottage: and that America seems TO have
caught on TO the idea. shall probably see some
thing original and charming.
The expense Of towage has been urged as an OBJ
lection against households. This is very small. II
the boat is "htched on a town longshore YER
nacu,ar-ahough a special tugboat. Of course costs
a great deal-hardly more, however, than taking a
whole family, trunks. servants and all by rail-. More
over the idea Of houseboat is not 20 be continually
on the move. simply 10 be able TO secure an occa-
sonal change of locality. Fancy the convenience
You rent cottage on terra hrma and there you are
fixed for the season. The place may prove dull. the
drainage unsatisfactory the mosquitoes and heat I'M
endurable. but there you are nxcd and must stay
for the season. A houseboat has only TO float away
10 a pleasanter spot while for those who have
lovely and attractive homes. what greater luxury
could be had than floating lodgings that could take
the family TO Newport or any OTHER coast resort FOR
a change. and always be comfortable and chez
eoi-a house that in wintry weather could be foaed
off into summer seas With bicycles for land expe-
dtons a fast little catboat for sailing. rowboat.
and for those who afford 1t. power launch. the
eouipment for such an establishment would be COM
plete A direct connection may be found for house
boating with Philadelphia and NewYork. via the
canal entering at Bordentown. Continuing up the
Hudson and the Delaware and Hudson Canal into
Lake Champlan, and even the st. Lawrence River.
or via the Erie Canal continuing to Buffalo, the
Great Lakes may also be visited on the south by
River may be reached and short tours outside from
point TO point can easily be arranged for There Is
vachtsman who has sailed his boa; in many waters,
hat offers such delightful OF pciiunites for house.
beats as America.
give o'clock tea at sandringham." said a visitor
20 that Mecca Of the fashionable world, rs most
delightful function. The Prince and Princess do
~ ptoh form ali nd
are full Of kindly hospitality 1t Is the hour when
the house guests are apt to arrive. who are re-
ceved with gracious friendliness not only by their
hosts themselves but also by the rest OF the house
party who, however stf elsewhere. are always
friendly to a guest OF their Prince. So newcomer
feels happy once. especially as he or she Is re-
called with the most delicious edibles.
.It il through royal favor that the English o'clock
tea which originally meant literally tea. and per-
haps bread and butter has now developed into
substantial meal consisting OF thin wafers OF Drown
and white bread and butter, and hot mu1ns' SAND
wiches of all sorts. pate de foe gras and even ham
and eggs besides cakes OF every description ana
other daintes too numerous 10 mention AFTER a de-
lIghtful hour full OF fun and nonsense. the party
separates to meet again at the more stacy am
out the memory and encouragement Of that infor,
NAL little reception. would be awful lnoeed. IN
tact for he is the moving spirit OF his
the Princess imply ca,ry,ns OUT "''
ideas with her own charming gracioushess
Fashionable women very fond OF having IA
mysterious little dressmaker" Of their own. who
produces successful toiiettes. at what they are
pleased to consider a very small cost.
.Wbat a lovely frock; where did you get it?' THIS
note of admiration often eicits the reply
oh a little dressmaker discovered lately maze
II for me-" and the fair possessor feels quite sense
of creation In her trove. Mlady. TOO whle
shopping in Paris, often finds more real pleasure ~
the "petites costumes which she invents with me
aid OF clever although obscure little coutuIee
whom she has found" than In her most eihpornae
and costly CONNECTIONS from the great houses, es-
peciay II she is successful In bringing her iaVorte
TO the FORE and making her famous In the oe"u
monde
II Ia odd how sometimes a sudden craze WI"
.n.n.. certain fashions A mother who had or