IV.

Barge Canals

On most large canals barges are pushed or pulled by tugboats and towboats; one towboat may pull as many as 40 barges lashed together. Modern barges are designed to carry specific types of cargo. Open-hopper barges carry coal, gravel, and large equipment; covered dry-cargo barges are used for grain, dry chemicals, and other commodities that must be kept dry; tank barges carry petroleum and liquid chemicals. On some European canals, barges are towed in trains of two or more by gasoline- or diesel-powered tractors running on a towpath beside the canal. In certain areas men and draft animals are still used for haulage.