HOVELLERS, THE, a hardy and useful race of boatmen residing principally at Deal, Dover, Ramsgate, and Margate. They are distinct from the ordinary maritime population, and annually save a large amount of property and many lives by their skill and seamanship. They have different kinds of boats, according as they have to land passengers or help ships in distress. An important part of their task is that of taking out anchors and chains to ships in stormy weather. A service of this kind done one day may be rewarded with £50, and next day the same service with £500. The reason of the difference is, that while in fair weather the hovellers are paid for their labour, they are paid, in bad weather, for the risk they run, according to a systematic principle introduced by the late Henry Dove, Esq., R.N. of Margate. The awards are determined by a commission of naval officers appointed for the purpose.