THE UTRECHT PRAM.
There is met with in the province of Utrecht another kind of boat which, while resembling the “Westlander” somewhat differs from it by its finer lines and more slender construction. The sternpost, like the stem, is straight and rakes a great deal, which makes these boats very pointed. They are Utrechtsche Pramen (Utrecht Pram) and when they are entirely open they are called Kromme Rijnaak although they do not show the characteristic flat bottom rising toward the bow. They correspond to the “Vlotschuit” mentioned by WITSEN (p. 171, No. 3) even though this latter boat is broader in proportion to its length.
The “Utrecht pram” sails along the “Kromme Rijn” and in the country still further North, along the Vecht. It greatly resembles a “punter” of the North of Overijssel (near Vollenhove, etc.) but it is longer and narrower. This class of boat is also met with in North Holland: the Groenteschuitje van Hoorn, called by WITSEN (p. 171-3) Weyschuitje is an example.
THE “SCHOUW”.
The Schouw is a flat, open tub met everywhere. It is a very simple and very primitive boat which is seen already in the oldest engravings both in the countries along the Mediterranean and in the countries of the North of Europe.
The “Schouwen” are very much used in our country of canals and rivers. These more or less large tubs have gradually developed into the form of boats. Nearly all are pulled or pushed with a pole. The largest are the “Melkschouwen” of which large numbers can be seen every day at Rotterdam.
The hull of the “Schouwen” narrows a little forward and aft, while the bottom rises there regularly.
These boats are entirely open as a rule. When they have a hold covered with hatch covers and when they are a little higher and carry a cuddy forward and aft they are called Schiedamsche Schouwen, better known still by the name of Spoelingschuiten (small boats for carrying the refuse of fruit).