Posted by Jonathan Labaree on December 16, 2002 at 14:46:51 from 207.5.234.19 user JLabaree.
A friend who is reading Wind in the Willows to his child asked me yesterday what a “wager-boat” is. Kenneth Graham uses the term to describe the boat Toad is attempting to row when Mole first meets him on the river. The accompanying illustration (from the original version) depicts something that looks a lot like a scull. Thus, I assume a wager-boat is a type of scull, but I’d love some clarification. Does the name derive from betting? Despite countless readings of that wonderful book, I had never noticed that term before, so I am indebted to my non-nautical friend for pointing it out.