The sheepskin raft, the oldest ferry tool along the Yellow River, has a history of nearly 2.000 years. The airbag of the raft is made of a whole sheepskin and experiences processes that include【小题1】(heat), soaking, sewing, drying and blowing. Afterwards, the airbags are attached 【小题2】 a wooden stand, enabling its use for transporting people and goods across the water.

It is said that the【小题3】 (large) sheepskin raft in old times consisted of more than 600 sheepskin airbags, with an impressive length of 22 meters and a 【小题4】 (wide) of 7 meters.

【小题5】 railways were not yet in operation and road traffic was inconvenient in the early 20th century, the sheepskin raft 【小题6】(serve) as the most important means of transportation for residents nearby.

However, with the rapid development of society, the sheepskin raft has finished 【小题7】 (it) historical task in transporting people and goods. Nowadays, it can only be found in several cities. It has become a tool for people 【小题8】 (go) sightseeing along the river.

Today only some of the older generation of rafters still operate the traditional sheepskin rafts,【小题9】 are struggling to make a living. 【小题10】(surprising), the younger generations prefer to pursue other business opportunities on the riverbank rather than continue the operation.