National Institute of Informatics - Digital Silk Road Project
Digital Archive of Toyo Bunko Rare Books

The sampan is in appearance almost as frail as its name ("three planks") would indicate. It is the veriest cockle shell. But it will live where a stout foreign gig would inevitably be swamped, and as it is the only mode of progression for short water trips, open to incidental passengers who cannot command the services of foreign boats, the Shanghai sampan is an absolute necessity. It is propelled by a large flat-bladed scull, which works on the principle of the screw propeller. The accommodation is not very luxurious, and there are certain objections to be taken to the cabin on a wet day, when fresh air is shut out together with the rain, by mats, and especially at the hour when the "captain" or "engineer," or whatever he may most fitly be called, is in the act of cooking his dinner.