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Lake Inle is the second largest lake in Burma with an estimated surface area of 44.9 square miles. Local fishermen are known for practicing a distinctive rowing style which involves standing at the stern on one leg and wrapping the other leg around the oar. This unique style evolved because the lake is covered by reeds and floating plants making it difficult to see above them while sitting. Standing gives the rower a view beyond the reeds. However, the leg rowing style is practiced by the men only. Women row in the customary style, using the oar with their hands, sitting cross legged at the stern. The inhabitant
s grow vegetables and fruit in large g ardens that float on the surface of the lake. The farmers gather up lake-bottom weeds from the deeper parts of the lake and make them into floating beds in their garden areas, anchored by bamboo poles. These gardens rise and fall with changes in the water level, and so are resistant to flooding.