He also explained to him how, by turning the blade of the paddle, one way or the other, he could give the bow of the boat an impulse toward the right or toward the left.
"Thus you see," said Forester, "with a paddle you can steer, but with an oar you can not." "With two oars I can," said Marco.
"Yes." replied Forester.

"You must have two oars to guide a boat, but you can do it with one paddle.

Therefore, if you can have but one, a paddle is better than an oar.

There is another advantage in a paddle; that is, in using it, your face looks the way that you are going." "Yes," rejoined Marco, "that is a great advantage." "In rowing, you must sit with your back to the bow of the boat, and look over your shoulder to see where you are going." "Yes," said Marco, "unless you have a steersman." "True," replied Forester.

"When you have several men to row, and one to steer, you get along very well with oars, but in case of only one man, there is an advantage in a paddle.