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).