There is still another point to be considered,--a paddle is better for a narrow boat and oars for wide ones." "Why so ?" asked Marco.
"Because," said Forester, "a certain width is required in a boat in order to work oars well.

The oarsman must sit upon the seat, and extend the oar off upon one side of the boat, and there must be a certain distance between the part which he takes hold of, and the row-lock, in order to work to advantage.

But it is no matter how narrow the boat is if he has a paddle, for he holds it perpendicularly over the side." "So paddles are better," said Marco, "for one kind of boat, and oars for another." "Yes," replied Forester, "and paddles are better for one kind of _navigation_, and oars for another.

Oars require greater breadth of water to work in.

In a narrow, crooked stream flowing among logs and rocks, oars would not answer at all.