- description
- # CHAPTER XXXIV. THE IRRAWADDY
## Overview
This chapter, titled "THE IRRAWADDY," is part of the novel [Redburn: His First Voyage](arke:01KG8AJ9CVDS15WWAP46A9M4XP). It was extracted from the file [redburn.txt](arke:01KG89J1GP71YDJ60P8SRH97MF) and is part of the larger collection [Melville Complete Works](arke:01KG89HMDZKNY753EZE1CJ8HZW). The chapter begins on line 6672 and ends on line 6840 of the source file.
## Context
This chapter follows [CHAPTER XXXIII. THE SALT-DROGHERS, AND GERMAN EMIGRANT SHIPS](arke:01KG8AJRKNFPGM1AKGB393MHFG) and precedes [CHAPTER XXXV. GALLIOTS, COAST-OF-GUINEA-MAN, AND FLOATING CHAPEL](arke:01KG8AJRKN5YQS3X41WTP2R4PQ). The narrative focuses on the ship "Irrawaddy" and its crew.
## Contents
This chapter describes the "Irrawaddy," a large ship from Bombay, identified as a "country ship." The text details its construction from teak wood, its cargo of cotton, and its crew of Lascars (native Indian seamen). The chapter contrasts the religious practices on board, with Christian prayers read by the officers in the stern and pagan worship among the Lascars in the forecastle. It also discusses the ship's figurehead, which includes a cross and a dragon. The narrative further explores the materials used in the ship's construction and rigging, specifically the teak wood and "kayar" rope made from cocoa-nut fiber, noting their properties and the native Indian craftsmanship involved. The chapter includes observations on the Lascars' customs, their resilience, and the hardships they faced during voyages.
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- CHAPTER XXXIV. THE IRRAWADDY
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- title
- CHAPTER XXXIV.
THE IRRAWADDY