Hello, all:

I just now stumbled across a description of a Canadian fiddleboat, as used
in the logging trade to tow log rafts:

"Like the separate cribs of which we have spoken, the raft is propelled
ordinarily by sweeps or, weather permitting, by sails. Often a steam-tug is
employed, a curious variety being the 'fiddle-boat' - that is, two long
boats, or sections of boats, with the paddle-wheel between them. The crew
consists of from forty to fifty well-built and skilful men, who live -
sometimes with their wives and children - in little wooden houses on the
raft. The strange craft presents the appearance of a village, progressive
enough certainly, and in America that is the ideal of perfection. ..."

This quote is from George M. Grant's "Picturesque Canada: the country as it
was and is" (Toronto, 1882, p. 231). Unfortunately, no illustration
accompanies his description of this "curious" vessel. Does anybody out there
know what exactly he was talking about and whether any pictures of such a
contraption exist? (Seems to me that this would be an ideal subject for a
diorama!)

Chris

That sounds to me like a way to protect the paddles from being damaged by
floating logs & debris. (put the paddle INSIDE the hull) and maybe, the hull
with a "hole" in it did look sorta like a fiddle witha sounding hole.
Dave, Near San Diego