Part I

Part I

One hundred years ago, “through Canada to the Pacific” was first achieved by Sir Alexander Mackenzie. Making his way in a birch canoe from Montreal up the Ottawa and connecting rivers to Lake Huron, he came to the Sault Sainte Marie. Then followed hundreds of miles of paddling along the homeless shores of Lake Superior until civilization was seen again at Fort William on the northern shore. Yet that was only the real starting-point. Here Mackenzie began one of the most adventurous and productive explorations of that era, when the world was busy with exploration. Through rivers, ponds, and portages to Lake Winnipeg, across it and up the Saskatchewan, he pursued a well-defined route of the Hudson Bay Company’s voyageurs. But finally he reached even the fur-trader’s frontier, and pushed forward into a region never then penetrated by a white man. He came to the Peace River and began its ascent. It led him into, and guided him through, the mountains. At its sources he found water flowing westward, and through weeks of hardy adventure traced this river or that until he scented the salt breezes, and looked abroad upon the Pacific--the first man to cross Canada!

That is only a century ago; yet when you place Mackenzie’s canoe beside our transcontinental railway train, the contrast is as wide as between the first and last page of history; but put the courage of the old fur-trader beside the pluck which built this railway, and the extremes meet again.

The transcontinental trip by the Canadian Pacific Railway, then, is the subject of this article. We shall not precisely follow Mackenzie’s devious route, but shall touch it here and there, and see all the way the same kind of things that he saw.

Let us, first of all, have a clear understanding of what this journey is to be.

The Canadian Pacific is the largest railway system on the continent, yet there is none so little known to the general public in the United States, and none so widely misapprehended. It lies wholly in Canada. From Quebec it follows the St. Lawrence to Montreal, and then the Ottawa to the capital of the Dominion. From Ottawa it directs an almost straight course to the northernmost angle of Lake Superior, and skirting its shore for a hundred miles, strikes west to Winnipeg. Thence it crosses 900 miles of prairie, enters the Rocky Mountains 150 miles north of the United States boundary, and forcing its way through 250 miles of magnificent highlands, descends to the Pacific coast near the mouth of the Fraser River.

This main line is 3,070 miles in length, and reaches from ocean to ocean. Its through trains do not change their sleeping-cars all the way. An English family bound for China need make only two changes of conveyance between Liverpool and Hong-Kong--one at Montreal from the steamer to the cars, and another in re-embarking at Vancouver, the Pacific terminus. This is a notable advantage over the pieced-up route through Europe or the United States.

Yet this main line is only the stem of the great system. One side-line goes to Boston. Two others communicate with railways in New York State, at Brockville and Prescott, on the St. Lawrence. Short branches reach a dozen towns in Quebec. Westward, Montreal and Ottawa are connected with Toronto, whence branches ramify through all Ontario. Lake Huron is reached at Owen Sound, whence a line of ocean-like steamships on the Great Lakes is sustained. From Sudbury, a station 443 miles west of Montreal, a branch runs along the northern shore of Lake Huron to Sault Sainte Marie, where it is joined by a bridge over those historic rapids with two new American lines--one to Minneapolis, and another to Duluth. In Manitoba, branches penetrate all the corners of that rich wheat-growing province. Thus, the total length of its railways approaches 5,000 miles, and a year hence will be increased by a direct line to St. John, N. B., and Cape Breton, to connect with especially swift steamers, forming a new Atlantic ferry and carrying England’s Oriental mails. Yet, as has been said, few Americans know or realize these important facts in Canadian progress.

The new station in Montreal, whence we take our departure for the transcontinental journey one summer evening, is a magnificent piece of architecture. It stands just at the corner of Dominion Square, where the first strains of the band concert are calling together the loitering, pleasure-making crowds which twice a week throng its gravel walks or lounge upon the turf of its green parterres.

Out from the station stretches a series of broad stone arches, carrying the tracks upon an elevated way that reminds one of London, to the outskirts of the city, and into the quaint French villages named by pious founders after some Ste. Rose, Ste. Therése, or St. Phillipe, or other revered personages of the olden times.

We go to sleep, and do not know when Ottawa, Canada’s pleasant capital and lumber market, is passed at midnight. We are oblivious to this and all the world besides until a cheery call of “Breakfast-time, sir!” rouses our energies, and we peep out of our window to find ourselves rushing through a dense green forest, still glistening with the night’s dew. Then the breadth of Lake Nipissing opens like a plain of azure amid the green woods, and we halt at North Bay, where a road from Niagara Falls and Toronto terminates and makes a junction with ours. We step out and take a run up and down the long platform. The sunlight seems unusually bright and clear, the breeze from the lake is “nipping and eager”--everything and everybody has an air of alertness and glee which is inspiriting. We have slept well--we are wide awake; this balsamic odor of the woods is appetizing--we are hungry. The dining-car is therefore doubly inviting. Its furnishing is in elegant taste; its linen white as the breaking of the lake-waves; its silver glitters in the sunlight; on every table is a bouquet of wild flowers, masking a basket of fruit. There are tables for two and tables for four. One of the latter holds a family party--father, mother and two young ladies, Vassar girls, perhaps. We seat ourselves opposite, and as the train moves smoothly on, eat and talk with a gusto forgotten since last summer’s outing.

Our vis-à-vis at table proves to be an official of the company, who knows the whole line, as he says, “like the book.” He is going clear through to attend to matters on the western coast. This is great luck, for he seems quite as willing to answer our eager questions as we are to ask them. He is intensely interested in this great achievement, as is everybody connected with it, and wants us to become equally enthusiastic.

“This ought to be a good region for fishing,” we suggest, looking out upon the beautiful lake whose rocky shores we are skirting.

“Excellent,” the official agrees, as he quarters his orange. “Lake Nipissing abounds in big fish, and so does French River, its outlet into Lake Huron. I have had capital sport at the end of the steamboat pier at North Bay, ‘whipping’ with a rod and spoon for pike, bass, pickerel, whitefish, etc. Sometimes muskallonge weighing forty or fifty pounds are caught by trolling from a boat.”

“How about trout?”

“Well, if you’re bent upon trout, and don’t want to go up to the Jackfish or Nepigon River (which we shall cross to-morrow morning), your best plan is to go to Trout Lake and down to the Mattawan. Trout Lake lies four or five miles inland, behind those hills, where the scenery is exceedingly beautiful and the fishing practically untouched. In the lake itself are huge bass, pickerel and muskallonge. I know of one caught there by a lady, which weighed thirty-five pounds. Down to the lake, through tortuous, shady ravines, come cataract-rivers filled with untroubled trout. You can get a boat at a settler’s, or take your own and camp where you please, and fish in a new place every day all summer. Then from Trout Lake you can run a canoe down through a chain of lakes into the Mattawan River. Each of these lakes and streams has plenty of fish of several kinds, and charming camping places. The Mattawan carries you into the Ottawa, which you can descend in a boat--fishing all the way--to the St. Lawrence.”

“That’s an alluring story,” we say.

“It’s literally true; and in the fall and winter, sport with the gun is equally good. Moose, caribou, and deer are plentiful, and the town of Mattawan forms an excellent outfitting place for a shooting trip. Indian and white guides can be got who know the country, and the many lumberers’ roads and camps facilitate the sport. New Brunswick used to be the best place for that sport, but now this part of Canada is far more accessible and convenient.”

At noon we come to Sudbury, where extensive mines of copper and gold are worked, and a brisk village is growing up, with some farming and a great deal of lumbering in the neighborhood. Here branches off the new “Soo” route to St. Paul.

All the afternoon we run through forested hills, the line bending hither and yon to avoid rocky ridges and crystalline lakes, cutting athwart promontories, and bridging ravines. Here and there are extensive tracts of arable land, but little agricultural settlement can be expected in these forests as long as the rich prairies westward, all ready for the plow, are only half-tenanted. Yet the cabins of settlers, who are part farmers, part lumbermen, part trappers, and part “Injun,” are scattered all along the line; and every hundred miles or so we encounter a railway “divisional” station, where there are engine-houses, repairing shops, and the homes of the men employed on that section of the line.

In the evening, groups gathered in our brilliantly-lighted palaces--for every one had become acquainted, like a cozy ship’s company at sea--and whiled away the time with books, story-telling and whist. The Vassar girls, the Official and the Editorial We had a grand game, closing with a tie at eleven o’clock. Just then we were at Missanabie, where you might launch a canoe--“that frail vehicle of an amphibious navigation,” as Sir George Simpson styled it--and run down to the fur-famed--

“Beware of puns!” cried Miss Dimity Vassar.

--Michipicoten, in Lake Superior; or, with a few portages, glide northward to Hudson’s Bay.

Bidden to be awake early, at six next morning we were astir, and, lo! there was Lake Superior. All day we ran along its shores, here taking advantage of a natural terrace or ledge, there rolling with thunderous roar along some gallery blasted out of the face of the gigantic cliffs whose granite bases were beaten by the waves; next darting through a tunnel or safely overriding a long and lofty bridge, beneath which poured some wine-colored torrent. This is daring and costly engineering.

Always high above the water, which sometimes dashes at the very foot of the trackway, and sometimes is separated from us by barriers of vine-clad rock, the eye overlooks a wide and radiant scene. A line of distant and hilly islands cuts off this interior part (Nepigon Bay) from the open lake; and as we swerve hither and yon in our rapid advance, these islands group themselves into ever changing combinations, opening and closing lanes of blue water, displaying and hiding the silvery horizon, letting passing vessels appear and disappear, and taking some new charm of color with each new position.

Nor was this all. Cliffs and shore are grandly picturesque in form, brilliant in color, and constantly varied. After we had reached Jackfish River--a famous fishing-place--and the gaudy overhanging cliffs had been left behind, the lake began to be hidden by a line of trap-buttes, masked in dense foliage; and these beautiful table-lands lasted all the way to the crossing of the Nepigon, where again we were face to face with Nepigon Bay. You may say later that the scenery of the Rocky Mountains is better than this morning ride along Lake Superior; but you will not forget, nor be willing to omit it, all the same.

Nepigon River, up which we have a long view, is the prince of trout-rivers, and at the railway station canoes, camping supplies and Indian crews are always obtainable. Think of brook-trout weighing five or six pounds, to be caught, and bass and whitefish and what not in plenty besides!

That afternoon we passed Port Arthur, a town of 3,500 population, on Thunder Bay, and the port for the fine Canadian Pacific steamers, which present an alternative summer route between the East and West by way of the lakes, Owen Sound and Toronto. Five miles farther on we came to old Fort William, now a growing village and grain port. Here, on the fertile flats of the Kaministiquia, more than two hundred years ago, was planted an Indian trading-post, which a century later became the headquarters of the great Northwest Fur Company, and then an important post of the Hudson’s Bay Company, to which, after years of warfare, the Northwest corporation finally capitulated. Some of the storied old buildings, to which a whole magazine article might easily be devoted, still stand, but they are overshadowed by the railway shops and warehouses, the huge elevators and coal-bins, which here, as at Port Arthur, testify to an enormous shipping traffic.

For four hundred miles west of Fort William, where we bid good-bye to Lake Superior, the road passes through a wild, rough region of rocks and forest, reticulated with lakes and rivers. It is the most unattractive piece of country on the whole line, but it abounds in minerals, and supplies the treeless region beyond with lumber. Near its eastern border, at Rabbit Mountain, exceedingly rich silver mines are worked. The Lake of the Woods, in the centre of this tract, is a very beautiful spot, and one whose water-power supplies many large mills.

Morning found us among open groves and thickets--the fringed-out western edge of that almost continental forest which sweeps behind us to the Atlantic, and northward until it half envelops Hudson’s Bay. Finally even this disappeared in an expanse of verdant turf--the prairie of Manitoba,--its perfectly level horizon broken only by the tall buildings and steeples of the city of Winnipeg.

Winnipeg stands at the point where Red River receives its largest western tributary, the Assiniboine. It has been the site of an Indian trading post, and the centre of the “Red River settlements” for almost a century; but until ten years ago it was nothing more. Then it sprung at one bound, amid an ecstasy of speculation, into a city. It had a hard time after this injudicious exuberance began to subside; but it survived, and now Winnipeg is as well founded, and growing as healthfully, as is Denver or Omaha. The town has ridiculously wide streets, which it cost a fortune to pave with cedar blocks, and which make the really tall and fine business buildings look dwarfed. There are several expensive churches, hundreds of elegant residences, and some stately public buildings. The width of the streets; the great number of vacant lots, due to the large expectations of the “boom” period, which spread the town beyond all reason; and the use of cream-colored brick and light paint in the buildings, give to Winnipeg a singularly pale and scattered appearance, likely to diminish in the eyes of a casual visitor the city’s real wealth and importance.

“While you would find here in Winnipeg,” says our cicerone, as we sat smoking in a snug corner, “if you studied the matter a little, the key to much that you will see beyond, you must look beyond for the key to much you will see in Winnipeg. Situated just where the forests end and the vast prairies begin, with thousands of miles of river navigation to the north, south and west, and with railways radiating in every direction into the wheat lands of all Manitoba, like spokes in a wheel, Winnipeg has become, what it must always be, the commercial focus of the Canadian Northwest. Looking at these long lines of warehouses filled with goods, and these twenty miles or more of railway side-tracks all crowded with cars, you begin to realize the vastness of the country we are about to enter. From here the wants of the people in the west are supplied, and this way come the products of their fields, while from the far north are brought furs in great variety and number.”

The surrounding prairie is absolutely flat, and was the bed of a prehistoric lake--the last remnant of the waters that once covered the whole interior; and as we race across it we can picture how the wavelets rose and fell before the ancient wind by noticing the olive-and-gray ripples that flow over the long grass under this noonday breeze. Here and there cattle are standing up to their bellies in the lush meadow. Far off to the southward a dark line indicates the fringe of trees along the Assiniboine. Nothing else breaks the verdant flats that sweep around us save the track and the telegraph poles, straight as a ray of light behind and ahead to their vanishing points on each horizon. After a while habitations and farms grow more numerous, for we have imperceptibly risen to a region lighter in soil and formerly held at a cheaper price than the speculative tracts near the city, whose owners have seen settlers go steadily past them.

The centre of this is the far-scattered town of Portage la Prairie, an old landing-place of the voyageurs, who here loaded their boat-cargoes into carts and carried them across to Lake Manitoba, there to be re-embarked for the long canoe voyage inland. Here are now great wheat elevators and mills, and hence a railway has pushed 250 miles northwestward, to continue nobody knows how much farther. Brandon, seventy-five miles beyond, is a wide-awake, handsomely built young city on the Assiniboine, sustained by an immense agricultural environment. In regard to this let me quote somewhat from a standard work on the prairies: “Leaving Brandon, we have fairly reached the first of the great prairie steppes, that rise one after the other at long intervals to the Rocky Mountains; and now we are on the real prairie, not the monotonous, uninteresting plain your imagination has pictured, but a great billowy ocean of grass and flowers, now swelling into low hills, again dropping into broad basins with gleaming ponds, and broken here and there by valleys and by irregular lines of trees marking the watercourses. The horizon only limits the view; and, as far as the eye can reach, the prairie is dotted with newly made farms, with great black squares where the sod has just been turned by the plow, and with herds of cattle. The short, sweet grass, studded with brilliant flowers, covers the land as with a carpet, ever changing in color as the flowers of the different seasons and places give to it their predominating hue.... Here is produced, in the greatest perfection, the most famous of all varieties of wheat--that known as the ‘hard Fyfe wheat of Manitoba’--and oats as well, and rye, barley and flax, and gigantic potatoes, and almost everything that can be grown in a temperate climate.... Three hundred miles from Winnipeg we pass through the famous Bell Farm, embracing one hundred square miles of land. This is a veritable manufactory of wheat, where the work is done with almost military organization--plowing by brigades and reaping by divisions. Think of a farm where the furrows are ordinarily four miles long, and of a country where such a thing is possible! There are neat stone cottages and ample barns for miles around, and the collection of buildings about the headquarters near the railway station makes a respectable village, there being among them a church, an hotel, a flour mill, and, of course, a grain elevator, for in this country these elevators appear wherever there is wheat to be handled or stored.”

The fertile, pleasantly habitable region of the Canadian West is a triangular region with a base 800 miles in width east and west, and a northern limit marked by the forests beyond the Saskatchewan. Between these forests and the Rocky Mountains the arable country extends almost to the borders of Alaska, and through it are scattered trading stations and small settlements among a peaceful and semi-industrious Indian population. The climate is dry, yet the rainfall (except in the southwestern part) is quite sufficient for agriculture. The winters are rigorous, but not so long as those of Quebec, and the snowfall is light. Wheat, oats, barley and vegetables grow to perfection even farther north than the Peace River valley, in latitude 56° to 57°--the parallel which in the east passes just north of Labrador. Settlement on these fine prairies (which are often bushy, and show no sage-brush and little alkali) is only a decade old, yet last year there was produced a surplus for export of twelve million bushels of wheat alone.

Not far beyond the Regina wheat plain, which is about 1,800 feet above the sea, the altitude is abruptly increased by a rise to the top of the Coteau de Missouri, where the average of elevation is 3,000 feet. Here the climate is drier, and grazing becomes the principal industry, especially toward the foothills, where enormous herds of horses, cattle and sheep are pastured. Of this great and growing business Calgary is headquarters.

Only ten years ago this was the home of millions of buffalo, whose trails and wallows mark the surface in every direction; but not a bison is now to be seen within a long distance northward. The prairies from Regina westward are dotted with lakes, generally of fresh water, are well grassed, and broken by wooded eminences. The elk and mule-deer are still common, and in the autumn immense herds of antelope, migrating southward, are still to be seen from the car windows. Around the lakes crowd countless wild fowl at all seasons, while flocks of prairie chickens whirl away on each side at our approach. In the seasons of migration geese and ducks are here in myriads.

We cross the South Saskatchewan near some extensive coal mines, and toward evening of Friday (we left Montreal on Monday night and Winnipeg on Thursday morning) we catch our first brief glimpse of the Rockies--a serrated white line notching the sunset horizon. To-morrow morning we shall awake within their glorious gates.

THE NEW YORK YACHT CLUB CRUISE OF ’88.

The annual cruise of the New York Yacht Club grows in importance with increasing years. From the organization of the club, far back in the forties, its history has been a progressive one. Its vessels have won a reputation for their fleetness the world over; members have attracted the attention of all aquatic sportsmen who love

“A wet sheet and a flowing sea, And a wind that follows fast;”

and the club pennant of the red cross, with the single star sparkling like a gem in its deep azure field, is known in every harbor of the maritime world. Well may the members of this famous old club look back upon its record with pride, and well may Elbridge T. Gerry, the present commodore, rejoice in his proud position as commander of as magnificent a fleet of pleasure boats as ever sailed the waters blue of old ocean.

Great strides have been made, since the establishment of the club in 1844, not only in the sport of yachting, but in all things else besides. It probably never dawned upon the vision of Commodore Stevens, in those early days, when from his quaint little castle on the point of rocks overhanging the Elysian Fields, in Hoboken, looking out on the waters of the Hudson, as they rolled on to the Narrows and out into old ocean, that the club would make so proud a mark in the history of a pastime which the lovers of daring deeds so fondly cultivate. A great city has grown up since then all around him; buildings now occupy the space where, in those early American yachting days, leafy groves afforded shade to yachtsmen, and long lines of wharfs take the place of the gentle grassy slopes, kissed by the waters of the Hudson. All is changed since then. Even the old club has undergone a transformation. The fact, however, remains that the keystone of its success, the brightest gem in its diadem of honorable record, is that which was won in ’51, when Commodore Stevens’s America sailed away from the whole fleet of English yachts and carried off the Queen’s Cup.

This aquatic feat did much to permanently establish yachting in this country. It was a surprise to the well trained, brave and skillful sailors of the tight little island that Yankee sailors, after an ocean voyage, should beat them in their own waters. But they took the America’s victory in good part, and though it was a difficult pill to swallow, they got it down with a smile, for your true Englishman is always manly.

“Yankee Doodle had a craft, A rather tidy clipper, And he challenged, while they laughed, The Britishers to whip her; Their whole yacht squadron she outsped, And that on their own water; Of all the lot she went ahead, And they came nowhere arter.”

From those early days in the fifties, until the war broke out the New York Yacht Club grew strong in membership and vessels. Its cruises and its regattas became popular, the latter especially, for they served to afford a pleasant day’s amusement to people who enjoyed a holiday on the water. Many of our best known men and grand old merchant princes were devoted yachtsmen. What cruise was complete without rare old Moses Grinnell on board some one of the flyers of days gone by? When the war broke out, did not many of these same yachtsmen lend a hand in the struggle for the Union? If we mistake not, James Gordon Bennett put his vessel, the Rebecca, into commission, and did service himself on board, off the Southern coast. Hundreds of other instances might be cited to prove the patriotism, daring and pluck of “the men who went down to the sea in ships,” even though these ships were pleasure craft, and the men who sailed them simply on pleasure bent.

When “the cruel war” was over there came renewed interest in yachting. Then the challenges from the other side were received. English yachtsmen looked with longing eyes across the ocean and declared their readiness to do battle for the possession of the America’s cup. With the true spirit of sportsmen American yachtsmen met their Island brethren with equal ardor to defend the possession of the prize--the greatest yachting trophy of the world.

The races in which the Cambria, Livonia, Genesta, Galatea, Thistle, Columbia, Sappho, Puritan, Mayflower, Volunteer, etc., took part, are too well known to the readers of ~Outing~ to require more than a mere passing notice. These contests form proud chapters in the history of the club of which Elbridge T. Gerry is commodore.

No less important pages in its history are the great ocean races, in which the Vesta, Fleetwing, Dauntless competed, the Dauntless and Cambria’s ocean race, and again, the race in midwinter between the Coronet and Dauntless, when the Atlantic was in its most angry moods. The famous schooner Sappho, owned by William P. Douglass, ex-vice-commodore of the club, was another fair skimmer of the briny deep that carried the burgee of the club with honor in any and every contest in which she was entered in home or foreign waters. And so the list might be strung out in a magnificent array of the names of those white-winged beauties of the sea that muster in the roll of Commodore Gerry’s fleet.

For the nonce, let us turn from the past and look upon the present. Let us survey the fleet of this season as they came together in the harbor of New London, on the morning of August 9. Never did the famous old rendezvous present so brilliant an aquatic spectacle. The event was ushered in with a clear, bright blue sky. As the day grew older the scene grew in activity. Fifty-three sailing yachts and twenty odd steamers responded to the sunrise gun, and sent aloft the club signal to kiss the breeze that stole out from the southwest almost as gently as summer zephyr laden with the odor of the sea. It was not the piping breeze loved so well by your true yachtsman, when close-reefed sails and housed topmasts are the order of the day. At 10.47 the preparatory gun was given from the flag-ship Electra; ten minutes later the signal gun to start. And what a busy scene presented itself! With anchors weighed and all sails set, the magnificent fleet began to move out of the harbor into the waters of the ocean, with the Puritan, true to her record, showing the way over the line, closely followed by the Grayling, Troubadour and Sea Fox. It was in this way the annual cruise began.

As the squadron passed the flagship Electra, a beautiful picture was presented to the eye. The wind being light, the yachts had all available sails spread, and the view at the start was of an almost solid mass of canvas.

Before going further it will be well to give an explanation regarding the races that took place from New London to Newport, from Newport to Vineyard Haven, from Vineyard Haven to New Bedford and thence to Newport.

A feature of past cruises has always been this racing from port to port. Until this year, however, the arrangements in connection with it have been eminently unsatisfactory, both as regards methods of starting and the way in which a large yacht arriving first at the common destination would be disqualified on time allowance and the victory awarded to a smaller vessel. The methods of former years having then proved inefficacious in deciding the actual merits of the competing boats, Commodore Gerry, Vice-Commodore C. H. Colt and Rear-Commodore E. D. Morgan resolved this year to present prizes to that yacht in each of the eleven classes which made the best record in the runs from port to port. These prizes consist of handsome lamps of solid silver resting on ebony stands. On one side is an inscription of the names of the donors, while on the other the New York Yacht Club flag is represented. All the eleven prizes are exactly alike. A novelty of the trophy is the fact that the lamp may be lifted from its receptacle, when the stand forms a handsome cup with two handles. These prizes did much to stimulate the energies of the captains, and some fine races resulted.

Twenty minutes instead of the usual ten were allowed as starting time in these contests. Soon after the fleet had started the wind gradually died away, and for half an hour the water was scarcely ruffled, but the Commodore’s proverbial good luck did not desert him long. Soon sufficient breeze returned to carry the yachts bowling merrily into Newport harbor. The following table tells the story of the day’s run:

FIRST CLASS SCHOONERS--THIRTY-FIVE MILES.

Elapsed Corr’d Start. Finish. Time. Time. NAME. H. M. S. H. M. S. H. M. S. H. M. S.

Ambassadress 11 06 00 5 33 35 6 27 35 6 27 35 Dauntless 11 09 33 4 42 37 5 33 04 5 33 04 Norseman 11 05 25 4 52 05 5 46 40 5 45 31 Palmer 11 12 54 4 32 05 5 19 11 5 15 34 Wanderer 11 09 45 5 10 55 6 01 10 -- -- -- Alarm 11 06 00 4 48 30 5 42 30 -- -- --

SECOND CLASS SCHOONERS.

Intrepid 11 09 45 4 46 27 5 36 42 5 36 42 Gitana 10 56 00 4 43 40 5 47 40 5 46 26 Montauk 11 09 45 4 29 05 5 19 20 5 16 40 Columbia 11 13 30 4 52 58 5 39 28 -- -- --

THIRD CLASS SCHOONERS.

Sea Fox 11 01 12 4 10 52 5 09 40 5 09 40 Sachem 11 09 45 4 19 20 5 09 35 5 07 49 Troubadour 11 00 40 4 24 19 5 23 39 5 21 18 Varuna 11 03 04 5 11 30 6 08 26 6 05 52 Miranda 11 07 58 4 26 14 5 18 12 5 15 26 Grayling 11 00 40 4 24 25 5 23 45 5 18 50 Atalanta 10 56 30 4 44 33 5 48 03 -- -- -- Elma 11 12 30 3 40 33 5 28 03 -- -- --

FOURTH CLASS SCHOONERS.

Marguerite 11 02 07 5 51 45 6 49 38 6 49 38 Iroquois 11 05 03 4 21 48 5 16 45 5 15 36 Magic 11 08 35 4 44 29 5 35 54 5 33 44 Halcyon 10 56 00 4 38 18 5 42 18 5 40 42 Princess 11 16 10 5 29 23 6 13 13 -- -- --

FIFTH CLASS SCHOONERS.

Harbinger 11 11 32 5 03 14 6 51 42 -- -- -- Triton 11 09 40 5 28 27 6 18 47 -- -- -- Lotus 11 17 00 5 05 14 6 48 14 -- -- -- Azalea 11 14 38 5 37 52 6 23 14 -- -- -- Lydia 11 12 08 5 28 27 6 16 19 -- -- -- Whim 11 06 00 5 32 40 6 26 40 -- -- -- Clio 11 17 00 5 50 37 6 33 37 -- -- --

FIRST CLASS SLOOPS.

Volunteer 11 08 54 4 21 32 5 12 38 5 12 38 Mayflower 11 50 20 4 16 03 5 10 43 5 09 56 Puritan 11 02 07 4 08 39 5 06 32 5 03 14

THIRD CLASS SLOOPS.

Katrina 11 12 30 4 26 42 5 14 12 5 14 12 Bedouin 11 05 03 5 35 55 6 30 52 6 29 23 Fanny 11 05 15 4 20 12 5 14 57 5 11 28 Pocahontas 11 01 30 4 47 04 5 45 34 5 34 34 Nonpareille 11 09 45 5 36 43 6 40 58 -- -- -- Huron 11 11 00 4 52 18 5 41 08 5 34 04

FOURTH CLASS SLOOPS.

Hildegarde 11 03 53 4 27 02 5 23 09 5 23 09 Dare 11 10 27 5 52 02 6 04 55 6 00 00 Medusa 11 10 50 5 21 24 6 10 34 6 02 22 Whileaway 11 06 00 4 35 17 5 29 17 5 22 52 Thistle 11 09 45 5 12 45 6 03 00 -- -- --

FIFTH CLASS SLOOPS.

Athlon 11 14 08 4 50 25 5 36 17 5 36 17 Cinderella 11 09 40 5 54 04 5 44 20 5 43 36 Gaviota 11 15 31 4 54 06 5 38 35 5 37 28 Bertie 11 08 22 4 47 11 5 45 49 5 40 55 Concord 11 11 00 5 51 17 6 40 17 6 34 17

SIXTH CLASS SLOOPS.

Regina 11 05 30 5 07 00 6 01 30 -- -- -- Nymph 11 08 56 5 27 47 6 18 51 -- -- -- Crocodile -- -- -- 5 13 25 -- -- -- -- -- -- Iseult -- -- -- 5 01 40 -- -- -- -- -- --

~Winners~--First class schooner--Palmer; second class schooner--Montauk; third class schooner--Sachem; fourth class schooner--Iroquois; fifth class schooner--Lydia. First class sloop--Puritan; third class sloop--Fanny; fourth class sloop--Whileaway; fifth class sloop--Athlon; sixth class sloop--Regina.

In the evening red lights were burned on the yachts, lighting up the harbor and producing a fine effect.

The next day, Friday, August 10, the race for the Goelet cups took place over the Sow and Pigs course, off Newport Harbor. At 10.20 the preparatory gun was fired, there being at the time a light northerly wind. Ten minutes later the starting signal was given, and the Volunteer crossed the line in the lead, with the Mayflower second. Then came the Miranda leading the schooners, followed by the Sea Fox and Sachem. At West Island Light the Volunteer had established a lead of half a mile with the Mayflower still second, followed by the Palmer, Sea Fox, Puritan, Sachem and Katrina in the order named.

At the Sow and Pigs lightship the order was somewhat changed among the leaders. The Sachem had taken the lead and the Mayflower had tailed off. The order and time as the yachts rounded the lightship were as follows:

Sachem, 3.27.33; Volunteer, 3.37.32; Sea Fox, 3.43.15; Puritan, 3.45.58; Miranda, 3.48.26; Grayling, 3.49.07; Katrina, 3.49.51; Iroquois, 3.50.30; Palmer, 3.51.27; Troubadour, 3.53.22; Mayflower, 3.53.32; Dauntless, 3.55.46; Montauk, 3.56.36; Magic, 3.59.00; Ramona, 3.59.30.

The Katrina had the race in hand at this point, and she increased her lead to the Hen and Chickens. During this run of four miles, the Katrina gained three minutes on the Volunteer and Puritan, proving herself to be a remarkably fast boat. Just as the boats reached the Hen and Chickens buoy the wind dropped again, shifting round to the southwest. The time at this mark, so far as taken, was as follows:

Sachem, 4.40.03; Volunteer, 4.44.49; Sea Fox, 4.48.36; Puritan, 4.51.00; Grayling, 4.52.01; Katrina, 4.52.38; Miranda, 4.58.21; Mayflower, 4.58.53; Iroquois, 4.59.33.

The Katrina was 5m. 44s. ahead of the Volunteer by corrected time at this mark. The Sachem and Volunteer having rounded the mark some four minutes ahead of the next boat, the Sea Fox, had an immense advantage by the shift of the wind, which came just after they turned the buoy.

It was now a beat to windward to Brenton’s Reef and the finish line. The wind freshened and hauled more to the westward and became a good steady breeze. The Sea Fox in this beat pointed very high--her pointing was something remarkable. The time at the finish was as follows:

Elapsed Corr’d Start. Finish. Time. Time. NAME. H. M. S. H. M. S. H. M. S. H. M. S.

Volunteer 10 30 57 6 52 32 8 21 35 8 21 25 Sachem 10 32 09 7 12 57 8 40 48 8 27 48 Grayling 10 33 40 7 19 34 8 45 54 8 29 22 Katrina 10 33 17 7 19 49 8 46 32 8 35 10 Puritan 10 32 47 7 15 35 8 42 48 8 39 07 Sea Fox 10 31 58 7 23 34 8 51 26 8 40 23 Mayflower 10 31 51 7 33 05 9 01 14 9 00 21

Miranda, 10.31.53; Palmer, 10.32.25; Montauk, 10.32.40; Troubadour, 10.32.52; Intrepid, 10.33.32; Magic, 10.33.49; Dauntless, 10.34.25; Elma, 10.36.00; Iroquois, 10.36.38, and Ramona, 10.40.00; not timed.

In the schooner class, the Sachem won the cup, beating the Grayling 1m. 36s. on corrected time. In the sloop class, the Volunteer won, beating the Katrina 13m. 44s.; Puritan, 17m. 31s.; Mayflower 38m. 46s., corrected time. Katrina beat both Puritan and Mayflower.

On Saturday, August 11, a start was made for Vineyard Haven, Martha’s Vineyard. Once more every yacht was accurately timed from Newport, this being the second of the runs from port to port for the class prizes.

Again did the Puritan take the lead at the line, closely followed by the Lydia, Clio, Montauk and Volunteer. Everything went smoothly till the Mayflower and Grayling came along, and then occurred the only accident or collision of the cruise of ’88. Immediately after crossing the line the Mayflower was directly behind the Grayling and was sailing a trifle faster. Almost before any one realized that an accident was about to happen, the Mayflower’s bowsprit caught the end of the Grayling’s mainboom. This of itself was nothing serious. The sloop Regina was, however, right ahead of the Grayling, and by the Mayflower pressing upon the Grayling’s boom, the latter’s stern was pushed to windward, her bow swung off, and in a moment her big bowsprit struck the Regina’s mainsail just abaft the mast. The little sloop keeled over to starboard, when her topmast snapped, and the rigging came rattling down on her deck. Three of the guests on board the Regina became excited, and jumped overboard, and then immediately started to swim for the boat which they had just left. Lines were thrown from the Grayling and caught by the swimmers, but the big schooner did not lose her headway, and the men grasping the rope were towed through the water.

The Electra, Grayling, and Mayflower soon had boats out, the Electra’s gig being first. By the time the excitement had subsided all the yachts had crossed the line, and the faster boats were rapidly moving to the front. Soon the Volunteer passed the Puritan and took the lead, which she kept until almost to the line, only to be defeated by the Puritan, after having victory apparently within her grasp. The way in which Commodore Forbes regained the lead was a clever piece of work. The Volunteer was leading and was encountering a strong head tide; but the Puritan and others were rapidly overtaking her, not being bothered with the tide, while they had the full advantage of the wind. The Puritan was soon equal with the leader, and though not gaining, was gradually working toward the shore away from the current. Meanwhile the Volunteer had dropped anchor, not being able to make any headway. As soon as the Puritan came near the shore and out of the strong current, she slowly moved toward the line, and crossed it a victor. The results of the day’s run were:

FIRST CLASS SCHOONERS.

Actual Start. Finish. Time. NAME. H. M. S. H. M. S. H. M. S.

Norseman 10 46 06 7 58 00 9 12 54 Palmer 10 47 07 7 59 45 9 12 38 Alarm 10 47 35 8 13 50 9 26 15 Dauntless 10 49 25 8 16 20 9 26 55 Wanderer 10 51 00 8 41 00 9 50 00 Ambassadress 10 51 35 -- -- -- -- -- -- Ramona 11 00 00 7 51 15 9 51 15

SECOND CLASS SCHOONERS.

Montauk 10 41 58 7 55 30 9 13 40 Gitana 10 44 00 -- -- -- -- -- -- Columbia 10 46 17 8 02 58 9 16 41 Intrepid 10 47 35 -- -- -- -- -- --

THIRD CLASS SCHOONERS.

Troubadour 10 43 30 8 34 30 9 51 00 Sea Fox 10 43 47 7 21 17 8 37 30 Sachem 10 44 43 7 23 45 8 39 02 Miranda 10 45 15 7 31 23 8 46 08 Grayling 10 48 08 7 21 17 8 33 09 Varuna 10 51 00 -- -- -- -- -- -- Elma 10 58 55 7 53 40 8 54 45

FOURTH CLASS SCHOONERS.

Iroquois 10 43 16 7 30 43 8 47 27 Halcyon 10 45 00 8 06 25 9 21 25 Marguerite 10 47 35 8 37 00 9 49 25 Magic 10 49 10 7 53 00 9 03 50 Clytie 10 51 00 -- -- -- -- -- --

FIFTH CLASS SCHOONERS.

Lydia 10 41 15 8 36 15 9 55 00 Clio 10 41 41 8 35 00 9 53 19 Harbinger 10 45 48 8 11 11 9 25 23 Lotus 10 57 00 -- -- -- -- -- -- Whim 11 00 00 -- -- -- -- -- --

FIRST CLASS SLOOPS.

Puritan 10 40 53 7 14 25 8 33 32 Volunteer 10 41 58 7 22 45 8 40 47 Mayflower 10 48 08 7 49 22 9 01 14

THIRD CLASS SLOOPS.

Pocahontas 10 42 40 8 12 35 9 29 55 Katrina 10 42 40 7 52 23 9 09 43 Huron 10 44 28 -- -- -- -- -- -- Bedouin 10 48 08 7 26 52 8 38 44 Fanny 10 50 37 -- -- -- -- -- -- Vision 10 54 22 8 34 30 9 40 08 Nonpareille 10 54 49 8 44 25 9 48 36

FOURTH CLASS SLOOPS.

Whileaway 10 45 48 -- -- -- -- -- -- Hildegarde 10 47 55 -- -- -- -- -- -- Thistle 10 48 08 8 26 00 9 37 52 Medusa 10 49 35 8 40 00 9 30 25

FIFTH CLASS SLOOPS.

Athlon 10 44 32 8 05 06 9 20 34 Bertie 10 45 48 -- -- -- -- -- -- Cinderella 10 47 35 -- -- -- -- -- --

SIXTH CLASS SLOOPS.

Crocodile 10 44 28 -- -- -- -- -- -- Regina 10 46 40 -- -- -- -- -- -- Nymph 10 52 20 8 08 58 9 16 38

~Winners~--Schooners--First class, Alarm; second, Montauk; third, Grayling; fourth, Iroquois; fifth, Harbinger; Sloops--First class, Puritan; third, Bedouin; fourth, Medusa; fifth, Athlon; sixth, Nymph.

During Sunday the fleet lay at anchor in Vineyard Haven. At a meeting of the captains, held on board the flagship Electra, it was decided to abandon the cruise to Marblehead for this year and to accept the offer made by the Newport citizens, of cups, to be sailed for over the Sow and Pigs course before the cruise terminated. It was also decided to go to New Bedford on the day after the race for the Martha’s Vineyard Cup, and then from New Bedford to go to Newport and sail the race for the cup offered.

Monday, August 13, was the day set for the race for the Martha’s Vineyard Cup, but after the flagship Electra had taken her position ready for the start the Regatta Committee decided to postpone the race. On Monday, therefore, the yachts lay anchored in Vineyard Haven, while their owners enjoyed themselves at Cottage City.

On Tuesday, the day was clear and bright, with a wind strong and fresh from the southwest. It was an ideal yachting day. The result was the finest race of the cruise.

The prizes were a series of valuable cups offered by the citizens of Martha’s Vineyard, as follows: $250 for keel schooners, $250 for second-class centre-board schooners, $200 for third-class centre-board schooners, $250 for first-class sloops, $200 for second-class sloops, $150 for third-class sloops, $100 for fourth-class sloops and $100 for fifth-class sloops.

The course gave a beat to windward of eighteen nautical miles to and round a stakeboat off Gay Head and return to starting line off Cottage City.

The starting signal was given at 10.10, and the Puritan was again first over the line. The Alert was next, closely pursued by the Sea Fox and Grayling. General Paine was aboard the Alert, and it was generally believed that his presence did not keep her back at all.

The wind increased shortly after the start, and soon a heavy sea came rolling in from the eastward, striking the big sloops first. The Puritan was still leading, but the Mayflower seemed to make better weather of the seas, and soon passed to leeward of the Puritan.

About the same time the Grayling ran through the Sachem’s lee, and the Sea Fox was holding a splendid wind and going fast through the water. She was to the windward of both the Sachem and the Grayling. Soon after the start the schooner Palmer carried away her fore gaff, but she held on under whole mainsail, fore topsail and jib. The Grayling and Sachem had it hot for a while on the starboard tack; the Sachem got a little the best of the bout. The Alert now hoisted a small maintopmast staysail and came along at a slashing pace, apparently outsailing all the schooners. The first mark of the course to be turned was the bell buoy off Nobska Point, which was turned by the leaders as follows: Puritan, 11.17.30; Mayflower, 11.18.45; Sachem, 11.21.10; Sea Fox, 11.22.05; Alert, 11.25.00; Grayling, 11.29.00.

On the way from Nobska Point to Gay Head the wind rather moderated, topmasts were sent up, and reefs shaken out on most of the boats. The time taken at Gay Head stakeboat was as follows: Puritan, 12.42.50; Mayflower, 12.47.00; Sachem, 12.50.30; Alert, 12.52.22; Sea Fox, 12.53.26; Grayling, 12.58.32; Miranda, 1.01.45; Montauk, 1.14.00; Iroquois, 1.06.30; Katrina, 1.09.55.

It was a free wind from Gay Head to the finish off the Sea View House at Cottage City. All the yachts sent their kites up soon after turning, and all made splendid time. The Alert was at a great disadvantage here in not having any spinnaker or balloon topsails on board, so that the Miranda was able to overhaul her. The race between the Sea Fox and Sachem was most exciting and very close; the Katrina also pulled up on the Bedouin, but not enough to save her loss outside. The Grayling did not do as well as usual in this home run; she was outsailed by both the Sachem and Sea Fox. The finish line was crossed in the following order: Puritan, Sachem, Mayflower, Sea Fox, Alert, Grayling, Miranda, Montauk, Iroquois, Bedouin, Katrina, Intrepid, Troubadour, Hildegarde, Halcyon, Bertie, Athlon, Vixen, and Usher.

The following tables show the result:

FIRST CLASS SCHOONERS.

Elapsed Corr’d Start. Finish. Time. Time. NAME. H. M. S. H. M. S. H. M. S. H. M. S. Alert 10 10 44 2 21 32 4 10 48 -- -- -- Intrepid 10 11 43 2 44 14 4 32 31 4 30 10 Miranda 10 11 45 2 27 55 4 16 10 4 05 14 Palmer 10 17 58 Did not finish. Ramona 10 10 24 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

SECOND CLASS SCHOONERS.

Sea Fox 10 11 23 2 20 08 4 09 45 4 08 23 Grayling 10 11 25 2 26 23 4 15 03 4 10 34 Sachem 10 11 48 2 17 08 4 06 20 4 04 33 Montauk 10 13 23 2 29 46 4 16 23 4 16 23 Troubadour 10 15 00 2 47 20 4 32 20 4 28 47

THIRD CLASS SCHOONERS.

Iroquois 10 12 10 2 34 12 4 22 02 4 22 02 Halcyon 10 14 59 3 10 38 4 55 39 4 54 54

FIRST CLASS SLOOPS.

Puritan 10 10 16 2 12 58 4 02 42 4 00 07 Mayflower 10 13 14 2 17 44 4 04 30 4 04 30

SECOND CLASS SLOOPS.

Bedouin 10 11 25 2 37 39 4 26 14 4 24 43 Katrina 10 14 26 2 42 37 4 28 11 4 28 11

THIRD CLASS SLOOPS.

Hildegarde 10 14 11 3 09 43 4 55 32 4 55 32

FOURTH CLASS SLOOPS.

Bertie 10 13 41 3 26 42 5 13 01 5 07 59 Athlon 10 20 00 3 59 45 5 39 45 5 39 45

FIFTH CLASS SLOOPS.

Vixen 10 16 30 4 01 30 5 45 00 -- -- -- Hesper 10 16 48 4 03 47 5 46 59 -- -- -- Thistle 10 16 54 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Winners and prizes: Alert, $250; Sachem, $250; Iroquois, $200; Puritan, $250; Bedouin, $250; Hildegarde, $150; Bertie, $100, and Hesper, $100.

On Wednesday morning the fleet started for New Bedford. The wind was a regular sou’wester, and fast time was made.

The preparatory signal was given at 9.50, and ten minutes later the starting gun was fired. The race abounded in exciting manœuvres, and much good seamanship was displayed. It was a grand sight to watch the Sea Fox, Grayling and Sachem contesting for first place, and so close together were they at the finish that all three crossed the line within one minute.

The following table shows the actual results of the race:

FIRST CLASS SCHOONERS.

Elapsed Corr’d Start. Finish. Time. Time. NAME. H. M. S. H. M. S. H. M. S. H. M. S. Ramona 10 04 30 3 40 45 5 36 15 5 36 15 Palmer 10 20 00 3 54 04 5 34 04 5 31 59 Intrepid 10 02 56 3 42 42 5 39 46 5 37 21

THIRD CLASS SCHOONERS.

Grayling 10 00 56 3 03 07 5 02 11 4 58 38 Sea Fox 10 01 21 3 02 18 5 00 57 5 00 57 Sachem 10 02 15 3 03 09 5 00 54 4 59 27

FOURTH CLASS SCHOONERS.

Iroquois 10 01 21 3 26 15 5 25 54 5 23 54 Halcyon 10 02 09 Did not sail the course.

FIFTH CLASS SCHOONERS.

Lydia 10 02 59 5 09 23 7 08 24 -- -- -- Clio 10 01 21 4 07 14 6 05 53 -- -- -- Harbinger 10 00 38 Did not sail the course.

FIRST CLASS SLOOPS.

Puritan 10 00 35 3 03 40 5 02 05 4 59 26 Mayflower 10 02 19 Did not sail the course.

THIRD CLASS SLOOPS.

Pocahontas 10 02 52 3 56 20 5 53 28 Not meas. Katrina 10 07 00 3 14 37 5 07 37 5 07 37 Bedouin 10 05 24 3 13 13 5 07 49 5 06 13 Fanny 10 11 27 Did not sail the course.

FOURTH CLASS SLOOPS.

Hildegarde 10 10 12 4 06 30 5 56 18 5 56 18

FIFTH CLASS SLOOPS.

Athlon 10 04 00 4 48 52 6 44 52 6 44 52 Bertie 10 01 16 4 35 10 6 33 54 6 28 43 Cinderella 10 01 31 4 39 56 6 38 25 6 37 39 Concord 10 04 12 Did not sail the course.

SIXTH CLASS SLOOPS.

Nymph 10 03 53 Did not sail the course. Pappoose 10 04 30 5 07 31 7 03 01 -- -- --

~Winners~--First class schooners, Palmer; third class schooners, Grayling; fourth class schooners, Iroquois; fifth class schooners, Clio; first class sloops, Puritan; third class sloops, Bedouin; fourth class sloops, Hildegarde; fifth class sloops, Bertie; sixth class sloops, Pappoose.

In the evening a meeting of the captains was held on board the Electra, after which a reception was given to the captains and their guests by Commodore Gerry. On Thursday the fleet remained in New Bedford harbor, and on signal all hands “dressed ship,” and the quaint old harbor, with its whaling vessels along the docks, presented a very pretty sight. During the afternoon cutter, gig and dingey races were rowed. In the evening the visiting yachtsmen and their friends were received by the local club.

When the preparatory signal was given on Friday morning for the final run of the cruise, the wind blowing fresh from the southwest, caused most of the yachts to house topmasts and tie two reefs in their mainsails. The Grayling crossed the line first, followed closely by the Puritan and Lydia. The great surprise of the day was the way in which the Mayflower “walked away” from the Puritan and all the others.

After the finish the yachts continued into Newport harbor. The results of the day’s run were:

FIRST CLASS SCHOONERS.

Elapsed Corr’d Start. Finish. Time. Time. NAME. H. M. S. H. M. S. H. M. S. H. M. S. Palmer 10 23 52 3 14 18 4 50 26 4 47 37 Intrepid 10 22 13 3 20 24 4 58 11 4 53 37 Dauntless 10 22 13 3 42 25 5 20 12 5 20 12 Ramona 10 31 29 4 35 22 6 03 53 6 03 04

THIRD CLASS SCHOONERS.

Sachem 10 23 00 3 06 08 4 43 08 4 43 18 Miranda 10 33 17 3 26 20 4 53 03 4 51 11 Grayling 10 21 07 Did not finish.

FOURTH CLASS SCHOONERS.

Iroquois 10 24 20 3 34 35 5 10 15 5 10 15

FIFTH CLASS SCHOONERS.

Clio 10 22 20 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Lydia 10 21 15 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

FIRST CLASS SLOOPS.

Mayflower 10 23 17 2 30 04 4 06 47 4 06 47 Puritan 10 21 12 3 03 48 4 42 36 4 40 40

THIRD CLASS SLOOPS.

Bedouin 10 25 45 3 12 26 4 46 41 4 45 32 Katrina 10 23 55 3 10 55 4 47 00 4 47 00

FOURTH CLASS SLOOPS.

Hildegarde 10 21 45 3 59 54 5 34 09 5 38 09

FIFTH CLASS SLOOPS.

Bertie 10 22 29 4 07 19 5 44 50 5 41 03 Cinderella 10 24 30 4 27 44 6 03 14 6 02 40 Athlon 10 22 29 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Active 10 32 55 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

SIXTH CLASS SLOOPS.

Papoose 10 25 29 4 41 22 6 15 53 -- -- -- Nymph 10 27 05 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Kelpie 10 35 00 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

~Winners~--First class schooners, Palmer; third class schooners, Sachem; fourth class schooners, Iroquois; first class sloops, Mayflower; third class sloops, Bedouin; fourth class sloops, Hildegarde; fifth class sloops, Bertie; sixth class sloops, Pappoose.

On Saturday and Sunday the yachts remained in the harbor, and their owners spent the time in Newport.

On Monday, August 20, the 50-mile race for the cups offered by the citizens of Newport was sailed, but the wind being very light the event caused much disappointment. The run was to be before the wind, and so the big sloops lowered their spinnaker booms as they came toward the line. The Puritan crossed first, and next came the Fanny, noted for her light-weather qualities, then the Dauntless, followed by the Alarm, Hildegarde and Volunteer in the order given.

The Volunteer gradually gained on the leader, passed her adversaries one by one, and shortly before rounding the stakeboat was first. The wind was light, and variable all day, and died out at most inopportune times. The Volunteer alone crossed the finish within the time limit.

At colors on Tuesday the fleet was formally disbanded, and so ended the very successful cruise of 1888.

BASEBALL IN AUSTRALIA.

BY HARRY PALMER.

~Note.~--~Outing~ gladly places at the head of this article the portrait of Mr. A. G. Spalding, the projector and promoter of the American Baseball Tour to Australia.--~Editor.

“Ho, for Australia!”

What a world of pleasant memories the thought must awaken in the heart of every one who has plowed the depths of the broad Pacific; past the land of the Kanakas and the dominion of King Kalakaua; on through the Samoan group, to the shores of New Zealand; finally, under the light of the Southern Cross, to drop anchor in the harbor of Sydney, the most wonderful natural harbor in the world.

Just at present Australia and the Australians are objects of special interest to a large majority of Americans. Next to home, young America loves nothing so well as the national game of baseball. Popular enthusiasm aroused by the game is a matter for wonder to all people not Americans. This arises from the fact that in no other country is baseball so thoroughly practised or understood. The probable reason why England, Canada, Australia, and other countries, with their innate love for sports and athletics, have not become enamored of the game, is that our best exponents find America too attractive and profitable a field, from a professional standpoint, to find time or opportunity for introducing the pastime into other lands. Other considerations operate against the scheme of a mission of instruction. The expense of taking two selected teams abroad, the possibility of meeting unfavorable weather, accidents to players, and numberless other obstacles, would occur to the mind of any ambitious baseball manager who might contemplate such a scheme.

An invasion of foreign territory was, however, made in 1875. The Boston and Athletic teams, embracing many of the leading players of that period, went to show the Englishmen the game of baseball as played in America, and to play cricket with them.

In connection with that tour of ’75 Mr. A. G. Spalding, then the hard-working young pitcher of the Boston Club, was a prominent figure. Now, the same man, having become the head of the great mercantile house that bears his name, is, with the same spirit, about to introduce the game into a land ten thousand miles away. Bold as is the enterprise, the man who has undertaken it has not only the nerve and courage to carry it out, but also the ability to make the venture successful in every sense of the word. That the Australians will be afforded the opportunity to see the attractive features of the game demonstrated to the best possible advantage, is assured by the make-up of the visiting teams. If the Australian people admire a game in which skill, training, endurance and daring are requisite qualifications, they will be staunch admirers of America’s national game before the teams have half finished their tour.

Twelve months ago no plan of the tour had been formulated. In January of the present year it was for the first time seriously contemplated. At that time Leigh S. Lynch, a gentleman widely known, and of long experience in amusement enterprises, met Mr. Spalding, and the subject of an Australian baseball tour, once broached, was seriously and fully discussed. The greatest obstacle that had heretofore existed, viz., the want of a capable and experienced associate in the venture, was, to Mr. Spalding’s mind, overcome by the advent of Mr. Lynch. Almost immediately the two began to make arrangements for the tour, on which they had with little hesitation decided. Captain Anson was interested in the project, and together with Messrs. Lynch and Spalding, entertained the view that there was but one policy to adopt if success was to be attained. It must be an undertaking on a large scale. Money would have to be expended without stint, and all chances taken of the venture proving financially successful. In spite of their broad-minded view of the case, and though the limit of expense for the trip was placed at the liberal figure of $30,000, the venture has grown with each month since its inception until it has attracted the attention and awakened the interest of every lover of sport in England, America and Australia by its magnitude.

In February Mr. Lynch started for Australia, and on his arrival promptly secured the sole right to use the cricket grounds at Sydney and Melbourne for baseball games during the winter of 1888-9. Before returning to America he announced the contemplated tour to the press of these cities. Much to his gratification, the news awakened marked interest.

Hitherto baseball has never been introduced in Australia in such a form as Americans know. Some few of the American residents in the larger cities have played it in amateur fashion, but never have two professional teams, such as these comprising the National League, crossed bats upon Australian soil. It is, therefore, evident that the tour will be watched with interest in America, while the reputation of the Australians as lovers of all kinds of sport, together with the attractive character of baseball, seem to promise the awakening of no small degree of enthusiasm among them.

In America baseball has surpassed in public favor horse-racing, aquatic and field sports of every character. Its growth has been one of nearly twenty years, and with each succeeding year it has commanded an increase in public patronage, until it has beyond all question become the national game of Americans.

In America there are two prosperous leagues, or associations, of professional baseball clubs, known as the National League and the American Association. These organizations are each composed of eight clubs, each club being located in one of eight cities, which comprise the circuit of each organization. Each organization has its constitution and by-laws governing the affairs of each and every club in membership, and each organization has its prearranged schedule of games, which are played during each season. According to the schedule of 1888, each team was scheduled to play 140 games during the season--seventy at home with visiting teams, and an equal number abroad, or ten games on the grounds of each competing club--the seasons at home and abroad being so arranged as to give lovers of the game two or three weeks of continuous ball playing, and then a like period of rest. It is needless to say the return of the home team is made the occasion of a great outpouring of people and a hearty reception in each city of the circuit, while its fortunes in other cities are eagerly followed by its friends at home. The daily press of the country devotes columns of space in each issue to the victories and defeats on the “diamond,” and in nearly all of the larger League and Association cities the evening papers issue an extra edition containing the accounts of the afternoon’s games. These find a large and ready sale, not only in the cities where they are published, but each outgoing train bears its package of “extras,” which are waited for by crowds of expectant and impatient watchers at every station.

No attempt has been made in these lines to color the picture. Public enthusiasm in America over the national game is something more than the cleverest pen could depict. From day to day the relative standing of the teams in the championship races is stated in tabulated form at the head of the baseball column of every reputable American daily, and the slightest change in the positions of the teams in the race is sufficient cause for exultation in the home of the fortunate team, and for a corresponding degree of depression in the home of the team that has been supplanted in its position. The position of a team in the race is determined by the percentage of the games it has won, the percentage being determined by dividing the number of games won by those played. Thus a team may have won 51 games and lost 47, consequently it has played 98. Now, divide 51 by 98, adding to the dividend three ciphers, and for a quotient you have .520, which would be the percentage of games won to the number of games played by that team.

The theory of the game of baseball is in itself simple. It is that two contesting teams must endeavor to send the greatest number of men around the circuit of the bases under prescribed rules within a limited number of innings. That is the cardinal point in the theory of the game.

Now, as to the rules and requirements to which players must adhere in attempting to make the circuit of the bases, and the means by which they can be prevented.

Each team must invariably consist of nine men, and the game must be played upon a regularly marked or laid-out field, as illustrated upon page 165.

The field, it will be seen, consists of a continuous runway, these runways being clay-covered paths, laid out in the shape of a huge diamond. At each corner of the diamond is a basebag of canvas filled with sand or other material, and strapped securely to the ground.

Now, to the average American youth, the duties of the players in two contesting ball teams, and their positions upon the field, are known in a general way. There are many spectators, even in America, however, who, if asked to explain the simplest points in a game, would find themselves lamentably ignorant upon the subject. Baseball correspondents, writers, professional players and rule makers, probably because long experience has made them thoroughly familiar with the rules and terms of the national game, have fallen into the use of technicalities, that in many instances cause the game to seem intricate to the uninitiated. In truth, however, the game’s greatest charm is its simplicity, combined with the manifold opportunities it offers for brilliant and daring work by the players. A simple description of the cardinal points in the game, therefore, divested of all technical terms that cannot be plainly defined, will, perhaps, aid many a reader in America, as well as in other countries, to understand baseball, where the simple reading of the professional playing rules, framed by the rules committee, would mystify rather than inform a reader not already familiar with the game.

Let it be understood, therefore, that the basebags are known as first, second, third base and home plate, first base being the first bag to the right of the batsman as the latter faces the pitcher. The distance between bases is ninety feet. The players are known as pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, short-stop, third baseman, right fielder, centre fielder, and left fielder. The pitcher (or bowler) stands in the centre of the diamond, within prescribed lines four feet wide by five feet four inches long, known as the pitcher’s box. The forward line of the pitcher’s box is fifty feet from the home plate, which the pitcher faces when ready to deliver the ball, and beside which the batsman stands as he faces the pitcher. Behind the home plate stands the catcher, it being his duty to receive the ball from and return it to the pitcher, should it not be batted by the batsman. Just behind the catcher stands the umpire, who is expected to judge every ball pitched and every play made during the game, his decision being final in every instance. At first base stands the first baseman, and at second base stands the second baseman. The short-stop is stationed midway between the second and third basemen, in or near the runway, and the third baseman at third base. These four men constitute the “infield” of the team. Facing the diamond, and stationed from 100 to 125 yards from the infield, are the right, centre, and left fielders. These men constitute the “outfield” of the team.

The choice of going to bat or to the field for the opening innings of the game is optional with the captain of the home team--that is, the team upon whose grounds the game is being played. Should he decide to send his men to the field, he stations them as above indicated, while the nine players of the opposing team take their seats upon the visiting players’ bench. These players go to bat in the order in which their names appear upon the score card. When the fielding team has taken its position, the first batsman of the opposing team steps to the plate, and others follow him in regular turn, until three batsmen have been retired by the efforts of the opposing fielders. Then the positions of the teams are reversed, the side which was at bat going to the field, and the side which was doing fielding duty coming in to take their turn at bat in regular order. When three of the second team’s batsmen have been retired, or put out by the efforts of the opposing fielders, the innings is ended, each team having sent three or more men to bat, and each having had three men retired. Nine such innings, requiring from one hour and a half to one hour and fifty minutes of play, constitute a game, and the team which has scored the most runs wins the game. Should rain, or any other cause, stop the game before five full innings have been played, however, the game must be contested over again before it can count in a championship record.

When the batsman steps to the plate he is expected to hit the ball so that it will pass the intercepting fielders, and go to such distance in the outfield as will enable him to reach first base before the ball can be returned to the fielder stationed there. If he can reach second or third base, or make the entire circuit of the bases before the ball has been intercepted by any one of the infielders, or before it has been captured by an outfielder and returned to the infield, so much the better, for the base-runner’s object is to ultimately make the circuit and touch the home plate, by which he scores a run for his side. To put a batsman out, a fielder must catch the batted ball before it has reached the ground, or must recover it in time to throw it to the base for which the base-runner is making, before the base-runner reaches it.

The pitcher is required by the rules to pitch the ball over the plate and between the knee and shoulder of the batsman. Each time he tries and fails to do so the umpire calls “ball,” and upon five such balls being pitched, the batsman is entitled to take first base. When three fair balls have been put over the plate, however, and the batsman has failed to hit them, the batsman is out, whether he has struck at the ball or not. For each fair ball the umpire calls “strike.”

From the home plate along the runways to and past first and third bases, are drawn two chalk lines. These are known as foul lines, and any ball batted outside these lines is called a foul ball, and does not count against either the pitcher or batsman unless it should be caught by a fielder before touching the ground, in which case the batsman is out. Very frequently a swiftly pitched ball is struck at by the batsman, who fails to correctly judge it, and the ball being just grazed by the bat, shoots into the catcher’s hand. This is called a “foul tip,” and puts the batsman out.

When the innings begins, and there are no base-runners on bases, the catcher usually stands well back from the plate and takes the ball on the bound, so as to save his hands as much as possible. When three balls or two strikes have been called by the umpire, however, or when a batsman has succeeded in reaching first base on a hit, or by other means, the catcher puts on his protecting mask and pad and stands close up behind the batsman, taking the balls as they come over the plate. This is done that he may more quickly take advantage of any opportunity that may offer to put the batsman out, or retire the base-runner, who may already have reached first base.

There are many terms applied to the different plays in a game of baseball, which, as a rule, are but imperfectly understood. The writer has known a spectator who, though familiar with the make-up of every ball team in the League and Association, was so ignorant of baseball parlance as to call a “foul tip” a “fly,” an “out” from second to first baseman a “sacrifice,” and a “wild pitch” a “wild throw.” An understanding of all the terms used in connection with the game is, of course, not requisite to a reasonably clear conception of the points therein, yet ability to designate a play and a player’s position correctly, is positively necessary in scoring.

A careful perusal of the following terms and their meaning will greatly help the uninitiated to follow the playing and grasp its significance:

A Batsman is the player who stands at the plate for the purpose of hitting the ball. A Base-runner is what the batsman becomes after he has batted the ball. A Fielder is any one of the nine players opposing the side at bat. A Coacher is one of the players belonging to the side at bat, who takes up his position near first or third base, and advises, or coaches, the base-runner. The Battery--A term usually applied to the catcher and pitcher. The Back-stop--A term sometimes applied to the catcher. The Infield--A term applied to the first, second, third baseman and short-stop. The Outfield--A term applied to the right, centre, and left fielders. A Strike--A strike is called when the ball has passed over the home plate, between the knee and shoulder of the batsman, whether he has struck at it or not; three strikes send the batsman to his seat. A Ball--“Ball” is called by the umpire when the ball delivered by the pitcher has passed above the shoulder or below the knee of the batsman, or has gone wide of the plate; five balls so delivered entitle the batsman to take his base. A Foul Hit--Any hit which sends the ball outside of the foul lines. A Fair Hit--Any hit which sends the ball across the diamond so that it will land inside the foul lines. A Fly-ball--A ball hit into the air and caught by a fielder before it touches the ground; such a catch retires the batsman. A Liner--A ball batted straight across the diamond toward any infielder. A Grounder--A batted ball which strikes the ground inside the diamond. A Wild Pitch--An unsteady delivery of the ball by the pitcher which passes the catcher, and permits a base-runner to advance a base. A Passed Ball--A ball which bounds from the catcher’s hands on coming from the pitcher, and permits a base-runner to advance a base; each base-runner may start for the base ahead of him on a passed ball or wild pitch, and hold it, provided he reaches it before the catcher recovers the ball, and sends it to the fielder at the bag for which the base-runner is making. A Muff--The failure of a fielder to hold a fly or thrown ball after it has fairly struck his hands. A Fumble--The failure of a fielder to quickly handle and throw a batted ball to the base for which the base-runner is making. A Steal--Frequently a base-runner will start for the base ahead of him immediately upon the pitcher’s delivering the ball, and depending upon his sprinting ability for success; if he succeeds he may be said to have stolen a base; if he fails, through the catcher’s receiving the ball and throwing it to the fielder at the base for which the base-runner is making, the latter may be said to have been put out on an attempted steal. An Error--When a fielder fumbles or muffs a ball, or fails to stop a batted ball which it may be fairly presumed he could have stopped, or when he in any way fails to make the play he might and should have made, he has been guilty of an error, and is charged with the same in the score. A Wild Throw is a ball thrown over the head or out of reach of the fielder to whom it is directed, thus permitting a base-runner to gain a base. A Base Hit--A base hit is a ball so batted toward fair ground that the opposing fielders cannot reach it before it strikes the ground, or so that they cannot recover it in time to throw it to the base before the base-runner reaches there; a base hit may be for one, two, three, or four bases, according to the distance to which the ball is batted. A Single is a base hit upon which the batsman reaches first base, usually referred to as a safe hit. A Double is a hit upon which the batsman reaches second base. A Triple is a hit upon which the batsman reaches third base. A Home Run is a hit upon which the base-runner makes the entire circuit of the bases. A Double Play is a play by the fielders which retires two men simultaneously. A Triple is a play that retires three men simultaneously; for instance, a double play may be made thus: with a base-runner on first base, the batsman sends a grounder to the second baseman; immediately the ball is hit, the base-runner on first starts for second and is touched out by the second baseman as he passes him, and then the second baseman quickly throws to first base, the first baseman receiving the ball before the base-runner gets there, thus two men are retired; should the first baseman, after putting his man out at first, then throw to the home plate in time to shut off a base-runner running in from third base, it would be a triple play. A Slide--When a base-runner sees that there is a chance of the fielders getting the ball to the base for which he is making before he gets there himself, he will plunge head first, or feet first, for the bag, sliding over the ground upon his stomach or back, a distance of ten feet or more to the base; this is called base-sliding, and is a reckless and daring feature of the game that invariably arouses much enthusiasm in America. A Balk is any motion made by the pitcher as though he intended to deliver the ball, but made for the purpose of deceiving the base-runner; a balk advances a base-runner a base. A Blocked Ball is a ball batted or thrown into the crowd; in case of a “block” the base-runner may continue on around the bases without being put out until the ball has been returned to the pitcher’s box. Hit by Pitched Ball--When a batsman is hit by a pitched ball he is entitled to his base then and there. A Sacrifice Hit--A fly-ball (usually to the outfield) so batted as to retire the batsman but assist a base-runner on first, second, or third base to reach the base ahead of him.

To return, however, to the Australian expedition. The tour is now begun, and the party of ball players is this month en route to the Pacific coast by slow stages, in order that the teams may play exhibition games in the more populous cities between Chicago and San Francisco. There are among them twenty-two ball players--including Captains Ward and Anson--half a dozen representatives of the leading newspapers of the country, OUTING’S special correspondent, and quite a number of tourists who have taken advantage of the opportunity and the reduced rates to make the trip. In addition to these there are: President Spalding and family, Mrs. John M. Ward, née Helen Douvray, the well-known actress, and Mrs. Anson. The journey is performed in two special cars, with hotel and sleeping accommodations, these cars going through to San Francisco. As to the program of the party from the time of leaving Salt Lake City, it was admirably outlined to the writer by Leigh Lynch before his departure for Australia in September to prepare the way for the teams at points between Chicago and San Francisco, at Honolulu, Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, and other points in New Zealand and Australia which the teams will visit. Mr. Lynch’s present trip is the fourth he has made, and his knowledge upon every point of interest connected with the present tour is complete.

This was his plan of campaign: “Our design is that the teams shall separate at Salt Lake City, the All-American team, under Ward’s management, proceeding direct to San Francisco, where a series of games will be played with the San Francisco ball clubs. The Chicago team, under Anson’s management, will, on the other hand, go up through Oregon and Washington Territories to Portland, Seattle, Spokane Falls, and other points, afterwards going south from Portland, where it will join the All-American team. Two exhibition games will be played by the combined teams in San Francisco before sailing. The sailing hour is fixed for two ~P. M.~, November 17; but I shall endeavor to arrange with the steamship company to defer it till eight o’clock, so that we may play our farewell game the day we leave. Many of the players have already visited San Francisco, consequently they will not care to do much sight-seeing.

“After leaving San Francisco, the trip will, however, be replete with interest for the party. From the time the Alameda passes through the Golden Gate, we shall have a continuous voyage of seven days before we strike land. These seven days will constitute a sort of preparatory period for what is to follow, and every member of the party will want to get his sea-legs as soon as possible. Our steamer, the Alameda, is the best equipped boat in the line, of 3,200 tons measurement, and provided with electric lights, baths, and every convenience of a modern house. The table is excellent, and the officers considerate and kind in every way.

“A voyage across the Pacific is rarely attended by such rough weather as one encounters upon the Atlantic, and as a rule the great ocean is true to its name. On board ship every possible method is adopted to pass the time. There is music and dancing on the deck, and the ordinary ship’s games, while nothing is more delightful than to lie back in a blanket-covered steamer-chair and gaze at the seemingly boundless ocean stretching away on every side. The fragrant breezes of the South Pacific fan the brow, and the light from a gorgeous moon and a million stars flood the deck and sails of the ship which is steadily plowing along through the billows of the mightiest stretch of water upon the globe. Nowhere can one so truly realize the grandeur and the immensity of nature as on the Pacific Ocean.

“At Honolulu the tourists will see with surprise the high state of civilization and cultivation encountered on every hand. Honolulu is upon the island of Oahu, and has a population of about 25,000 people, including whites, natives, and Chinese. The harbor is natural, and the city very handsomely constructed. The public parks are among the most beautiful in the world. The trees and shrubberies at night blaze with incandescent electric lights, and colored fountains play, while the walks are ornamented at every turn with artistic statuary. The royal band, which gives concerts nightly at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, is without doubt one of the best I ever heard, and I have heard the bands of every civilized nation. The drives surrounding the city are naturally beautiful and are admirably cared for. The Kanakas are a remarkable and interesting race. Their skin is dark, not unlike that of the American Indian, the features small and regular, and the hair straight and luxuriant. They are excellent swimmers, and invariably surround every steamer that touches at Honolulu, eager to exhibit their skill for the most trivial recompense.

“We stop at Honolulu between twelve and fifteen hours, and play two games of ball--one between the Chicagos and All-Americans, and the other between the Chicagos and the local Honolulu team, which, by the way, is very good. I shall endeavor to arrange so that King Kalakaua may witness both games, and think I shall be able to do so, for he is very fond of athletics.

“Seven days after leaving Honolulu we stop at Tutuila, in the Samoan group. It is distant about 2,000 miles from the Hawaiian capital, and nearly as far south of the Equator as Honolulu is north. Twelve hundred miles from Honolulu our ship crosses the Equator, and Neptune is invariably received with due honors upon every boat that passes the line.

“Six days after leaving Tutuila, where our ship stops only two or three hours, we reach Auckland, the capital of New Zealand. There we stop about ten hours and propose to give the inhabitants a game of ball. Auckland is a pretty provincial town, of about 40,000 people, built in the English style. The cricket grounds are among the finest I ever saw.

“From Auckland we go to Sydney, and there our Australian tour proper commences. So much has been said of the cities of Sydney and Melbourne that the less I say now, perhaps, the better.

“When we leave America we shall leave not far from midwinter. When we arrive in Australia we shall arrive in midsummer, for our December is their July. So it will be necessary to the comfort of every member of our party to dress for the trip just as though they were providing for an approaching summer at home. A steamer coat may be a good thing to carry with one, as the nights are at times chilly.

“As to the program of the ball teams in Australia, that I cannot give you definitely now. Suffice it to say, however, that our teams will stand ready to meet Australian cricket elevens or football teams at any city they visit, and that as a result of their visit baseball will be better known, and probably better liked, by the Australian people when we bid farewell to Sydney. There will be ball games in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Bathurst, Ballarat, and every other point that we can visit to advantage. As to the recreative features of the trip, I feel sure they will be taken care of. Australians are a generous and hospitable people, and the visiting teams will doubtless become well acquainted in every city they visit. Of course we shall have a kangaroo round-up, while there will be many interesting and novel sights to entertain our party from the time we arrive on the continent until we leave it.”

To Mr. A. G. Spalding, the principal baseball legislator in America, and the head of the Chicago Club, is due the credit of the enterprise. His pluck, money and position made the project feasible.

To Leigh Lynch, the business manager, is due the credit of having perfected all details, a duty for which his long experience as an amusement enterprise manager fully qualifies him. For nine years he was associated with Mr. A. M. Palmer as business manager of the Union Square Theatre, New York City, afterward becoming acting manager of Niblo’s. During the winter of 1887 he assumed management for Mrs. Langtry. He has traveled all over the globe; is familiar with the peoples of all countries; is well informed upon any topic, and is possessed of influential friends in every civilized nation. Both in capability and experience Mr. Lynch is a valuable ally to Mr. Spalding.

As to the players, they will form representative teams in every sense of the word. The Chicagos, under the captaincy of Anson, embracing the flower of the regular team’s talent, will go as a well trained, thoroughly drilled body of ball players, capable of putting up as strong, finished, and brilliant a game of ball for the edification of the Australian people as Americans have ever had the privilege of witnessing. Anson, Pfeffer, Williamson and Burns will certainly be as representative an infield as Pettitt, Ryan and Sullivan are an outfield. Baldwin and Tenner, with Tom Daly and Frank Flint to hold down their delivery, can without doubt ably illustrate the points in battery work. All are gentlemanly, experienced, and capable men, and can as a body, and individually, scarcely fail to prove a credit to the game and to America upon the coming trip.

The All-American team, traveling under the captaincy of John M. Ward, the popular and intelligent ex-captain of the New Yorks, is composed of men picked from the ranks of the representative ball teams of America. They have been chosen not only for their proficiency as ball players, but because of their clean professional records. Kelly, Wood, Fogarty, Hanlon, Carroll, Tiernan, and the balance of the players who compose the All-American team, are all capable of coping with Chicago, so as to give all who witness the coming games abroad some admirable illustrations of America’s National Game.

THE UNIFORM OF THE TEAMS.

CHICAGO.

Light gray shirts and knee breeches, with black stockings, caps and belts; black letters across the breast, ~Chicago~.

ALL-AMERICAN.

White flannel shirts, knee breeches, with blue stockings; blue letters across the breast denoting the home club of the individual, thus, ~New York~, etc.; caps of blue and white flannel; belts of white duck, covered with American flag of silk draped round waist and knotted on left hip.

LOVE AT FISHING.

Put one arm here, and with the other fling The silken string, Steel hook, and gadfly bait into the cool, Transparent pool, And drive love’s prattle tiptoe ’cross the lip, Or let it turn to language-gaze, and sip Its honey from a stillness. Watch the dip And glimmer of the cork, and how they slip-- The scarlet fish--below the water, like The thoughts that strike Athwart the mind. How else could lovers wish Than thus to fish? Though I have cut no strand of yellow hair To spin my silken cord from what you wear, In long warm tresses over face, to stare Through quaintly; nor a golden hook to snare The water’s fruit! or more than this cool nook, With that one look Between the willow branches at the sky From where we lie, Edged round with ribbon grasses tangled in The lover’s knots, as if they meant to win Love hither by a meaning that is kin; For nature holds love’s thought and origin!

That bird dropped down upon the pool’s near hem Like a red gem, Shook off the hand; and left a vision glint, That faint song-print-- Just gone.... Mark how the fishes flit and chase, Lit to a passion, ’cross the water’s face-- So like the minutes moving in the space Of this one day. What are the words they trace Therein?... That bird flew to its nest just now Upon the bough. The stooping sun trails long red fingers through The grass. The dew Slips off the willow leaves. It cannot be The day is over, and the fish still free-- Except the fish of happiness that we Have caught; with love’s gold ring for you and me!

Edward A. Valentine.

Franklin Satterthwaite, a genial sportsman, a good fellow, and a journalist whose pen ofttimes described the sports and pastimes he loved so well, died September 16, at his home in Newark. Mr. Satterthwaite was among the best known writers on field sports in this country. He was the son of John B. Satterthwaite, who married Miss Duane, a daughter of the celebrated W. J. Duane, Secretary of the Treasury during Andrew Jackson’s presidency. Franklin Satterthwaite was brought up in Philadelphia. The name of Franklin descended to him from his great grandfather, Benjamin Franklin. He had a wide circle of friends. His place will be missed among the men who love outdoor sports, for Franklin Satterthwaite was not only an enthusiast in their pursuit, but his ready pen never flowed so freely as when recounting some exciting or interesting adventure of flood or field. May his name continue as green in the memory of those who knew and loved him as the sod which covers his grave!

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THE DISSENSIONS IN THE ATHLETIC WORLD.

It is a matter for regret, that just at this season the National Amateur Athletic Association and the Amateur Athletic Union should be at daggers’ points with each other. It is to be deplored particularly now, when a visiting organization is here, three thousand miles from home, to engage in contests for championship honors. That the main object the two great organizations of amateur athletes have in view is praiseworthy is not for a moment put to question. It is to be presumed that both are influenced by a similar idea--the purification, or the attempted purification, of the athletic arena from the taint of semi-professionalism.

Young men who interest themselves in outdoor amusements belong to one of two classes--the amateur or the professional. Strange as it may seem, it is not so easy to draw the line between the two. The gentlemen, however, who are in a position to pilot the course of the great athletic bodies, and frame the rules for their government, certainly ought to be able to discriminate. A man who interests himself in athletic sports is either an amateur or a professional. He either goes in for pastime or sport; for the love of it, or for the gain it affords him; the badge or medal for the one--the purse for the other. The lines between these two are so strongly marked that a blind man can feel them. There is, however, a class of men who have crept into the amateur ranks which requires careful watching. We refer to those who are neither amateurs or professionals, but for want of a better designation may be classed as “professional amateurs.” These men will not enter the professional arena for purses, but they do not hesitate to become members of amateur clubs under questionable conditions. Men who devote nearly all their time to training on the cinder track, on the river, on the bicycle path, or in the baseball field, and who do not pay club dues, or who have their club dues paid for them, are tainted with the worse taint of professionalism. To pit one of these men against the amateur enthusiast, who goes in for outdoor sports for the pure love of them, is manifestly unfair. He has no chance to distinguish himself, if he feels so inclined, against such odds. It also discourages other younger amateurs from making a trial in the public contests. To protect the honest amateur athlete, the genuine lover of sport, against the tricksters who, under the guise of amateurs, do nothing else but hang about club-houses, and who are encouraged because they are “smart”--“smart” in more senses than one--is an accomplishment worthy of any great body. If this is the knotty problem which lies directly at the base of the difficulty between the two great central bodies of American amateur athletes, it ought not to be a difficult one to solve; but on the other hand, if it is a desire on the part of one to carry out a policy of rule or ruin, the sooner an understanding is arrived at the better. We have invited both the National Association and the Amateur Athletic Union to state their cases fairly in the pages of ~Outing~, and we await their action without further comment.

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THE FOOTBALL SEASON.

The season of football just inaugurated gives every evidence of being an active one. The interest in the game has increased to such an extent in the last few seasons that the sport has rapidly advanced to a leading position among the outdoor amusements of this country. The recent victories of the Canadian team in England and Scotland, too, have given an additional impetus to the game with the sturdy young men across the border. If the promise of the preliminary preparations produce good fruit the present season of football here and in Canada will be a most exciting one.

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THE CLOSE OF THE YACHTING SEASON.

The season of the year is now with us when the yachts comprising the American pleasure fleets go out of commission. With topmasts housed, sails unbent, and running gear coiled away below, they will lie up in winter berths until May, 1889.

Now, therefore, is the time to ask: “What has the season of 1888 done for yachting in America?” and ~Outing~ answers, “Much.” True, we have had no international race, but what of that? When our friends in England are ready to challenge, we are ready to build, and meanwhile the interval has been profitably spent on both sides of the Atlantic. The Englishmen have been building boats to beat their previous productions. And so have Americans, with very satisfactory results. Our keel boats have done well, but the centreboards have done better. It has been a lively season, with more events and better racing and cruising than any previous. New boats have broken old records, and two important features have been developed, i. e., schooner racing, and “class racing.” At no time in the past ten years has there been such interest in the former class of sport, while the results of the latter were shown in the recent races off Larchmont. There half a dozen boats of almost equal dimensions--Pappoose, Baboon, Nymph, etc.--contested, and the results proved that it is not only more interesting to the spectator, but also very satisfactory to the yachtsmen whose boat has too often been hampered by being compelled to sail in annual races in a class with others nearly double her length. Class racing should be encouraged in New York waters, as it is in Boston and on the Lakes.

There has been much said this season about a summer club-house down the bay for the New York Yacht Club, but nothing definite has been done toward securing one as yet. It appears very necessary that the premier club of America should have an anchorage and house somewhere near the point from which their races are started. The club that has shown the most enterprise this year is the Larchmont. They have not only provided themselves with what may be justly termed the most perfectly appointed club-house in the country, but by inaugurating the class-racing spoken of, and encouraging the sailing of small boats by Corinthian crews, they have made themselves deservedly popular among all classes of yachtsmen. Boston, Marblehead, Hull, Beverley and Dorchester as usual wind up the season with the longest roll of events to their credit. It seems curious that our New York yachtsmen do not join and organize a Yacht Racing Association, by which the time allowances, and other racing details, might be governed. The Eastern Association, that meets in Boston, have all the principal clubs on their roll, and they have done much good work since they started.

~J. C. Summers.~

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THE EXPENSES OF THE KENNEL.

Few but those who are intimately acquainted with the minutest details of keeping and training thoroughbred dogs can estimate the vast amount of time, labor and money expended nowadays on the canine race. This time, labor and money all go for the improvement and elevation of the dog, for scientific breeding, and preparation for shows and field trials.

With the daily increase of bench shows, we witness quickly growing extravagance in the prices paid for high-class dogs, and see money spent with a freer hand for dog furnishings and kennel accommodations. Dog furnishings alone, including such articles as collars of all grades, blankets, muzzles, leads, chains, snaps, swivels, couplings, etc., etc., and kennel fixtures, from dog-houses and porcelain-lined food-pans down to brushes, combs, dog-soap, and multitudinous patent medicines for every ailment, employ hundreds and hundreds of people of both sexes throughout the year, and these industries are undoubtedly on the increase.

As to prices paid for dog-flesh, we can cite a few, some of which have come under our personal notice. For instance, it is well known that the owner of the pointer dog Beaufort could have found a purchaser for him at any moment at a figure somewhat better than a thousand dollars; in fact, it is understood that that figure was about the price paid for him when little more than a pup. Another instance is the sale of the liver and white pointer Robert le Diable, at the New York show a year ago, for one thousand dollars. Again, we have the huge St. Bernard Rector, sold by Mr. E. R. Hearn to Fritz Emmet, bringing four thousand. Then, in the case of the English pointer Graphic, twenty-seven hundred was the cost of his transfer from one gentleman’s kennels to another’s, and the instance of the collie Bendigo, at the Westminster Kennel Club’s show last spring, bringing a thousand and a half in cash, showed how much his present owner wanted him. Now comes the latest thing in this line. That great and noble St. Bernard, loved throughout England, and for whom at his departure from his native place children wept and people of maturer years grew sad, has come to us--we refer to that grand dog Plinlimmon. Much ink was wasted and many offers made before his recent owner could be induced to part with him; at last the climax was reached, however, when a most luring and seductive bait of one thousand pounds was offered, which sealed the good dog’s fate. He is in this country now, having lately arrived on the Britannic. Mastiffs, too, have been bringing long prices, with spaniels (the black variety) and setters, some of these kennels being worth a small fortune in themselves. So, with new additions every month to the list of shows, dog interests increase and values enhance, until well-bred specimens may be seen at every hand where formerly mongrels predominated.

~Nomad.~

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FENCING.

With the return of cold weather, fencing comes once again to the fore. Indeed, fencing is growing more popular every year. We remember the time--and that not many years ago--when there was but a single professor of the art in New York, and a pretty poor one at that. Now, fencing academies are cropping up in all parts of the city. Fencing clubs are numerous and well attended. The two leading ones are the Knickerbocker and the Fencers’ Club. The two great athletic clubs of New York encourage fencing by devoting large and convenient rooms for salles d’armes, and giving valuable prizes to the winners of contests. The Manhattan has secured the services of Professor Louis Rondelle, the able and courteous master of the Knickerbocker. They promise magnificent fencing rooms in their new building, which will be the finest in America.

~Outing~ would like the secretaries of all the fencing clubs to report about the doings of their fellow-members. We will also furnish all desired information about fencing and fencers. An article on “Fencing for Ladies,” by Mr. Eugene Van Schaick, the author of “A Bout with the Foils,” and “A Bout with the Broadsword,” will be published in one of the early numbers of ~Outing~ for 1889.

REVIVAL OF A FINE OLD ENGLISH GAME.

The average young Canadian is more devoted to outdoor sports in all kinds of weather than his American neighbor. Even those among the Canucks whose hair is silver-sabled, as well as they whose locks are sable-silvered--to quote a phrase from that delightful old boy, the Autocrat, of Boston, as true a sportsman as ever breathed or wrote--are more devoted to almost all kinds of vigorous exercise, driving, perhaps, excepted, than those who live in the dominions of Uncle Sam. Not only do cricket, baseball, tennis and curling find thousands of enthusiastic players in Canada, but shinty, golf, and bowls have their adherents. The game last mentioned has of late taken an extraordinary hold in Ontario. Its great recommendation is that it is found to give just the degree of exercise in the open air to make it especially agreeable to those of middle age or to those

“Whose age is as a lusty youth, Frosty, but kindly.”

Lawn bowls resembles curling somewhat. In fact it consists in trying to do on level grass what it is the object of curlers to accomplish on smooth ice, i. e., to get one side’s bowls near a central object and to cut out those of the other side. Another point of resemblance is that the “in-turn” or “out-turn” of the curling-stone is initiated by the “fore-hand” or “back-hand” bias of the lignum-vitæ bowl. There is, however, no sweeping at bowls, so that the assistance, real or imaginary, toward the progress of a stone that a roaring and perspiring curler derives from his efforts with the broom, is denied to the bowler.

In former days the game was played, in Canada, at least, with balls much biased, so as to draw as much as six to ten feet in a run of sixty. The best players in Scotland, however, have discarded these extremely weighted bowls. The Pioneer rink of Toronto was the first to import bowls of the best Glasgow make, notwithstanding that a very fair article is made in Canada. Since Scotland has been mentioned, it may be as well to say just here that a correspondent, Mr. Samuel Gunn, of Glasgow, a fine bowler, and an undeniable Scotchman, inveighs, in a recent letter, against those who term bowls an English game, and declares that Scotland is its great exemplar to-day. This probably may be the case; but even Mr. Gunn will admit that the cyclopedias call it “a British game,” and they are not particular to say anything about North Britain either. He should also remember that in the fine picture illustrative of the game in the time of Elizabeth, it is Sir Francis Drake and a group of Englishmen whose game upon an English green was sought to be interrupted by a messenger bringing tidings that the Spanish Armada was in sight.

Be it Scotch or English, it is a good game.

IS HE A 9 4-5 MAN?

The St. Louis Globe-Democrat writes in the following way of the performance of Schifferstein, the Californian sprinter:

“At the meeting of the Missouri Athletic Club, at St. Louis, September 9, the feature of the day was the performance of Schifferstein, the Californian, in the 100-yard race. He won away off in the world’s record time of 9 4-5s. The amateur record is 10s., and the Californian lowered this. The professional record of 9 4-5s. is held by H. M. Johnson, who was one of the timers. The performance will go on record, and Schifferstein will receive a handsome medal for lowering the record. There can be no doubt of the performance, as he beat Joe Murphy, who is a 10¼. man, three yards. In the second heat Schifferstein, O. J. Fath and Geo. M. Fuchs, of the M. A. A. C., and Eli Thornish, of Chicago, competed. Schifferstein raced away from his field in the first fifty yards, and won easily by four yards of Thornish, second. Time, 13 1-5s. The Californian has the easiest of styles. He much resembles Sherrill, the champion, in his style of movement, and does not seem to exert himself a bit when in motion. He will win the national championship. In the final heat a good start was effected, but Schifferstein opened up a big gap on his field in the first fifty yards as before. Murphy then held him even, but could not gain an inch, and the Californian won by three yards in the record time of 9 4-5s.”

A PLEA FOR THE WHEELMEN.

As the days shorten, and the hours available for outdoor exercise grow fewer, more wheelmen are anxious to use the daylight they have at their own disposal for a reinvigorating run. No city is better provided with an exercise ground for cyclers than is New York with her beautiful park; but, nevertheless, there is a hitch. As things stand at present, one has, in order to reach the park, to take a car from the business parts of the city, and undergo all the tedium of the trip; then, hastily donning cycling clothes, take a hasty spin, a hurried bath, and resuming the garments of every-day life, run the risk of cold or pneumonia by taking a car down-town while still warm from the vigorous exercise.

The Board of Aldermen were apparently filled with good intentions, and went so far as to lay down in Madison Avenue, from Twenty-third to Thirty-second Street, a pavement which seems calculated to fill every wheelman’s heart with joy. This pavement is not the ordinary asphalt used for streets, but has an admixture of sand, which prevents extreme slipperiness. So far so good; but there remains the long stretch from Thirty-second to Fifty-ninth Street, over which no wheelman dare attempt to ride, and so many a man who pines for the refreshing run of an hour or so on his wheel is deterred by the thoughts of those trips on the cars and the other attendant discomforts. Surely the Board of Aldermen will take pity on such a good (and influential) class of citizens, and shortly remedy this real and considerable grievance.

A MASSACRE OF THE INNOCENTS.

At the present time, when the inevitable effect of the actions of so-called “trout-hogs,” dynamitards, and pot-hunters is evoking so much attention, the report that on August 30 Lord Walsingham killed in one day to his own gun, 1,058 head of grouse, on his small moor at Blubberhouse, Yorkshire, has attracted no slight attention. The feat, if such it can be called, was undertaken with a view to eclipsing the former record made by Lord Walsingham in 1872 of 842 head, on which performance no great reliance has ever been placed. The new and gigantic record is, however, undoubtedly authentic. The bag was made between 5.15 ~A. M.~ and 7.30 ~P. M.~ and twenty “drives” were made, which occupied seven hours and a half. During the last half hour (i. e., from 7 to 7.30) fourteen birds were killed, during the walk home, and by deducting these it is found that 1,044 were killed in 449 minutes, or nearly 2⅓ birds per minute. Once three birds were killed at one shot, and three times two birds at one shot. Lord Walsingham was the only person to fire, and used four guns, and employed two loaders. In this particular case, so far was the ground from being completely “shot out” that the reports say that two guns could readily get from 150 to 200 brace per day for two or three days during the next week over the same ground.

A BELLED BUCK.

The New York Sun recently published a letter from Alex. Moss, of Madoc, Miss. Mr. Moss writes: “A day or two ago I killed a deer, a buck, the largest ever seen in this country; gross weight, 347 pounds. The horns three inches from the head were 1¾ in. in diameter. There were six points on one horn and seven on the other--thirteen points. Around the neck of the deer was a bell attached to a wire rope. On the inside of the bell was plainly engraved: ‘J. S. Dunn, Lansing, Mich. June (or Jan.), 1881.’ The wire rope had been spliced in sailor fashion, and was no doubt done before it was put on the deer, and allowances made for the neck growing. There was but a small portion of the material of which the rope was made left, save the wire. It was very tight around the deer’s neck, and the hair was white where the rope touched. The bell had no clapper, and was made of brass and copper.”

A DRINK FOR CYCLISTS.

A writer in the Bicycling World calls attention to a well-known injurious habit of wheelmen, as follows:

“The pernicious habit of imbibing large quantities of water at every stopping-place, so common among inexperienced wheelmen, not only aggravates the thirst, but, by promoting excessive perspiration, exhausts the rider. It is the perspiration that evaporates as fast as it appears, and not that which runs off the skin, that diminished the heat of the body. If the rider resists this desire to drink, the water for perspiration is taken from the fat--which is the dead weight--and he is benefited by the decrease in his avoirdupois.”

While the fault and result are very much as outlined above, the writer has failed to point out any remedy. A certain amount of liquid to assuage thirst must be taken by riders, and at the same time nourishment and mild stimulation are often essential. A harmless and satisfactory combination of all these may be secured by adding to a glass of milk a tablespoonful of Jamaica rum, and nothing but beneficial results will be secured, even if used in excess of moderation.

HINTS TO NEW YORK SPORTSMEN.

The query has more than once been put to ~Outing~: “Where can one obtain good shooting within Too miles of New York?” In reply, we wish to give the following advice to men who, while keen on sport, have not the time to seek it far afield.

In the first place, good shooting, with a variety of game (one correspondent mentions rabbit, quail, grouse, partridge, etc.), cannot be obtained within too miles of the city.

The rabbit, or American hare (Lepus sylvaticus) can be found everywhere outside and sometimes inside city limits. He seems to be a “pariah and an outcast” among sportsmen, although rabbit shooting with a couple of good dogs on a brisk, frosty morning, is a sport by no means to be despised. Rabbits are protected by the game laws during the close season. Quail (Ortex Virginianus, or, according to many ornithologists, Perdix V.), are in many places still further protected by farmers upon whose lands they breed, most of the stubble fields being posted to keep off intruders. The right of shooting in such cases is reserved for themselves, or for city friends visiting them in the fall, although we have known of cases where the farms were posted so that the farmer’s boys might eke out a few pitiful pennies by snaring the birds for market. Good rabbit and fair quail shooting may be had early in the season on the line of the Southern Railroad of New Jersey, particularly in the neighborhood of Tom’s River. Also on Long Island, from South Oyster Bay eastward.

Ruffed grouse (Tetrao umbellus), improperly called “partridge” in the Eastern and some of the Middle States, and as improperly termed “pheasant” in the South, may still be found in fair numbers among the wooded slopes and swales of Sullivan County, N. Y., and Pike County, Penn. But the class of sportsmen whom we are specially addressing should try that migratory bird, the woodcock, finest of all our birds of the fall flight, the English snipe, most luscious of all for the table, and the shore birds, or Limicolæ, a large class comprehending the curlews, marlins, plovers, tattlers and sandpipers. It is unnecessary to say that, except with shore birds, good dogs are essential to success.

A WORD TO LAWN TENNIS PLAYERS.

Lawn Tennis has, within late years, taken so prominent a place in the list of our outdoor amateur sports that it behooves those who feel an interest in its future progress to guard well against the introduction of the semi-professional element. This influence has done much to injure and retard the growth of many outdoor amusements. It threw back amateur rowing for years, and at one time brought the open regattas into such ill-favor that it was feared that rowing would fall back into the position it was in before the establishment of the National Association of Amateur Oarsmen. Even after the establishment of that organization, it required the closest attention on the part of the executive committee of the association, with so active a man as Henry W. Garfield to keep it clear from the snags that beset it. It would be well for the lovers of lawn tennis to take this matter seriously in hand and take a lesson from the course laid down by the amateur oarsmen to keep the pastime clear from professional amateur players of this delightful outdoor amusement.

CYCLES IN THE RUSSIAN ARMY.

Mr. J. H. Block, of Moscow, who has been instrumental in obtaining the introduction of cycles into the Russian army, thus explains how he was able to bring the measure about:

“I was very kindly received,” says Mr. Block, “by the Commander-in-Chief here, and he took the greatest interest in all I had to say about cycling. An official test has been made here between a cyclist and a grenadier on horseback. A despatch of great importance had to be taken to a small town thirty-five miles outside of Moscow, and an answer to be received from there. One of our best and most ardent bicyclists, Colonel Firsoff, who is fifty years of age, undertook to start off with the grenadier at the same time, and try to receive the answer, and come back in less time than the horseman would. This he achieved in the best possible manner. He came back four hours sooner than did the grenadier, and it created quite a sensation. Since that time we have had very long and continuous conversations about this matter, and after two months, the official introduction has taken place.”

THE HEROINE OF A YACHTING ACCIDENT.

A narrow Escape from drowning, and, at the same time, an admirable instance of the value of coolness and presence of mind in the face of danger is thus recorded by the Hamilton, Canada, Spectator. It gives an account of the rescue of Mr. Bunbury, of Hamilton, and his daughter. After showing how a passing vessel noticed the capsized sloop, the Spectator goes on to say:

“Captain Irving was notified and got his glass set upon the object. He informed the passengers who had called his attention to it that it was a yacht on her side with two persons clinging to it. The steamer was headed for the yacht, and in a short time was alongside it. Then it was found that Miss Bunbury’s yacht had upset. The two passengers were picked up, and the young lady was rigged out in dry clothes and made comfortable. She did not appear to be the least bit concerned about the upset. ‘We were just three-quarters of an hour in the water,’ she said, looking at her watch, as she was lifted on deck.

“Mr. Bunbury had seen the squall coming, and was going to take in some of the canvas when the squall struck the boat. ‘Let go everything,’ he cried to his daughter, ‘and jump into the mainsail.’ The young lady obeyed with a promptness that perhaps saved her life. In a moment the boat was on her side, with the sail flat on the water, and the young lady on the sail. She picked herself up and stood on the centreboard, hanging on to the deck with both hands. The yacht was low in the water, and to raise it Mr. Bunbury dived into it and threw out the ballast. The young lady stood in the water up to her waist, while Mr. Bunbury was up to his neck, and when the boat lurched--a small sea having come up in the meantime--his head would go right under water.

“The young lady was made quite a heroine of by the passengers of the Macassa. She certainly deserves great credit for her pluck and presence of mind. Thomas Costen, one of the Macassa’s deck hands jumped into the water and assisted in getting the young lady and Mr. Bunbury on board. The yacht was afterward towed in by a steam launch.”

FISH LIVING IN HOT WATER.

There is a pond on the hay ranch at Golconda, which is fed by the waters from the hot springs. This pond has an area of two or three acres, and the temperature of the water is about 85°, and in some places, where the hot water bubbles up from the bottom, the temperature is almost up to a boiling point. Recently the discovery has been made that this warm lake is literally alive with carp, some of which are more than a foot long. All efforts to catch them with a hook and line have failed, as they will not touch the most tempting bait. A few of them have been shot, and, contrary to the general supposition, the flesh was hard and palatable. How the fish got into the lake is a mystery unsolved. Within too feet of it are springs which are boiling hot, and the ranchers in the vicinity use the water to scald hogs in the butchering season.

CARP FISHING.

The New York Herald recently gave some advice to a correspondent who inquired as to the best method of getting some carp-fishing, which is so practical that it will bear repetition. It says: “At Little Falls, N. Y., you can obtain boats, although carp may be caught also from the shore. Carp may be taken in large numbers anywhere within ten miles above Little Falls. There is no law protecting carp, and they may be taken whenever and wherever anybody can find them. Use No. 3 or 4 hook, and fish on the bottom. Let the fish get a good hold before striking, as carp take the hook like suckers. They are often caught on worms used in fishing for other fish. If nothing but carp are wanted, a better bait is made of dough, mixed with cotton to keep it on the hook, or boiled peas.”

BOAT-RACING IN THE DARK.

A number of times during the past rowing season we noticed that unsatisfactory results were reached at the conclusion of a regatta, which anything like thoughtful management might have avoided. In two or three instances which might be called to mind, contestants were summoned to the starting-line at so late an hour that the shades of evening had fallen on the water. To start a boat race under such conditions is not only absurd and ridiculous, but fraught with danger to the men engaged in it, not to say anything of the numberless disputes likely to arise regarding the final result. In the first place, the referee cannot discharge the duties of his office properly if he is unable to see what is going on between the contestants, or how can a judge at the finish determine who crosses the line first when it is absolutely impossible to see distinctly three boats’ lengths ahead of him? In the Bowery Bay, a place that may become popular for racing with rowing men, and in the waters about the Staten Island Athletic Club’s boat-house, occurrences similar to those above referred to had practical illustrations within the past few weeks. In other sections of the country the practice of delay in starting boat races at an hour later than announced has become a positive nuisance. We propose to watch all sins of this kind in the future, and place the blame of such mismanagement where it belongs.

OUR THEATRICAL PLAYGROUND.

The theatrical season in New York opened auspiciously about the first of September, and up to the present time shows no sign of in any way not keeping up to its early promise; and this despite the fact of an exciting presidential campaign, when mass meetings, torch-light processions and brass bands in the streets furnish all the elements of a free show outside the theatres. As a rule, a presidential year--at least the few weeks of the canvass preceding the election--seriously effects the attendance at all places of amusement. The past few weeks, however, seem to prove an exception. And no class of entertainment, so long as it is good, appears to be singled out for preference.

FAREWELL, WALLACK’S!

Colonel McCaull, with “Boccaccio,” easily led the comic opera patronage at Wallack’s. It was the best performance of the opera ever given in the city. Comedy and song are so happily blended in the work that it requires actors and singers to present it properly, and McCaull gave both. “Boccaccio,” by the McCaull Opera Company, will pass into the dramatic annals of this city as the last performance given in Wallack’s. October 6 Wallack’s ceased to exist, and a name which for more than a generation was a household word throughout the country passed away into a memory and becomes a tradition.

MEMORIES OF HOME.

As a contrast to the rollicking fun of comic opera let us see how the Academy of Music is doing with “The Old Homestead.” Here is a medley--it can hardly be called a play--which savors so strongly of country life that one almost feels the breath of the new-mown hay, or the genial warmth of a happy hearthstone while witnessing Den Thompson’s performance. It is a touch of nature, and thousands throng into the Academy to feel its influence.

A CHIP OF THE OLD BLOCK.

When young Sothern, at the Lyceum, came upon the stage as Lord Chumley, an indistinct something or other flashed through the minds of old theatre-goers. It was impossible at first to tell what produced that feeling, but as the play unraveled itself, and Mr. Sothern warmed to his work, it seemed as if the spirit of the elder Sothern animated the younger, and Lord Chumley was a blood relative of the lamented Lord Dundreary. As was the case with Dundreary so it was with Chumley--both sprung into popularity in a night. As in Laura Keene’s, crowds were drawn in days gone by to see the father, so now at the present day throngs fill the pretty Lyceum to look upon the son.

NOT OF THE FIRST WATER.

The handsome Broadway Theatre reopened with “The Queen’s Mate,” and the opera was followed by “The Kaffir Diamond.” Notwithstanding the admirable manner in which the drama was mounted and the magnificent performance of Mr. Aldrich as Shoulders, it failed to meet with public approval. The play is not a good one. It has some strong points and good situations, but it drags in places. It is claimed it will make a good road show. It may, but I doubt it. “Mr. Barnes of New York” succeeded “The Kaffir Diamond” on October 15.

CAB, SIR?

Edward Harrigan opened his theatre with another of those local admixtures which he calls “Waddy Googan.” Waddy is a hack driver, and Mr. Harrigan draws him to life, and places him in scenes and situations so faithfully true that the theatre is unable to accommodate his patrons. “Waddy Googan’s” run promises to be a long one.

A SUCCESSFUL WRECK.

William Gillette has made another success with “A Legal Wreck.” When he first produced it at the Madison Square he did not expect it would do more than fill out a part of his season there. Its success, however, was such that the piece will hold possession until the 10th of this month, when A. M. Palmer’s company returns to begin the regular winter season.

JULES VERNE’S STORY IN TIGHTS.

At Niblo’s Garden “Mathias Sandorf” came in with the season, and brought a flock of the prettiest ballet girls that ever adorned Niblo’s stage. “Mathias Sandorf” was said to be written by Jules Verne. M. Verne may have written it, but the people who filled the theatre at every performance lost all recollection of the story in the bright smiles and entrancing movements of the fairies of the ballet. Some managers have a weakness for the antique in the selection of their coryphées, but the rare experience of E. G. Gilmore and Bolossy Kiralfy teaches them that the young have much more attractiveness in the present day.

UP-HILL WORK.

J. M. Hill has produced a play called “Philip Herne” at the Fifth Avenue Theatre. It was written by Mrs. Mary Fiske, a very bright writer, and a lady well known in journalistic and theatrical circles. “Philip Herne” has not yet come up to its manager’s expectations. The play has all the advantages of a good cast. After a four weeks’ run at the Fifth Avenue it went up to the Standard for a five weeks’ stay. Mr. Hill is a very plucky manager, and is not afraid to meet defeat. Sometimes he even turns defeat into victory. Who can tell? “Philip Herne” may yet result in the victory Mr. Hill believes it capable of achieving.

THE FASCINATION OF IMPROBABILITIES.

J. Wesley Rosenquest, one of the most enterprising and intelligent of our younger managers, has now two theatres to guide instead of one--the Bijou Opera House and the Fourteenth Street Theatre. At the latter place of amusement, Cora Tanner has made the success of her career in “Fascination.” “Fascination” is a comedy, written by Robert Buchanan, and is about as improbable a story as one can listen to. But what of that? The people throng to see the play, or Cora Tanner, or both; and in this way stamp its improbabilities with the brand of success.

~Richard Neville.~

For a writer of books on sporting subjects one qualification is absolutely indispensable if the result is to be a success, and this is that the author shall have his heart thoroughly in his work. In no other class of literature is the lack of such a qualification made so palpable to the reader. In “Wild Fowl Shooting” (Chicago: Rand, McNally & Co., 1888) Mr. William Bruce Leffingwell shows his love and knowledge of sport in a way which will give his work a high place in sporting literature. From the first to the last chapter the book is nothing if not practical, and the information is pleasantly interspersed with anecdotes and stories in such a way that the veteran will read with amusement and interest, and the tyro will gather instruction and pleasure at the same time. The scientific portions which are gleaned from the best sources are not unduly obtrusive, though of sufficient length to give any information required. The volume has the additional advantage of being illustrated.

* * * * *

It is not often that the writer of a book of travel gives such thorough attention to his subject as did William Eleroy Curtis (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1888) in “The Capitals of Spanish America.” In his position as Commissioner from the United States to the Governments of Central and South America, the author had an opportunity which he improved fully and with profit. President Arthur’s unsigned letter, sent after his death, accepting the dedication and consenting to write the Introduction, is an interesting memento. The accounts given by the author of the cities and peoples he visited are full of life and interest, while more serious points are by no means neglected. But even the dry facts are so pleasantly discussed in chatty fashion and interlarded by anecdote and tale that no dry bones are left. The book is very profusely and, for the most part, handsomely illustrated.

* * * * *

Realistic fiction has in the last two years gained a strong foothold in this country. To-day twenty good writers might be named with whom this tendency has become a characteristic. There is undoubtedly an American school of fiction building up which will become distinctive of our day and country. But “Len Gansett,” by Opie P. Read (Boston: Ticknor & Co., 1888), is hardly calculated to reflect credit on this school. Realism is not all-sufficient, but must be ably seconded by literary merit to meet with general approbation. The plot of this work is so poor that one wonders at the finish why it should have ever been introduced. The characters are weak and quite devoid of originality, while the charms and picturesqueness which might have been introduced into such surroundings are conspicuous by their absence.

* * * * *

There are books that win favor by their very name. “Chris,” by W. E. Norris (London and New York: Macmillan & Co., 1888), is a volume that has more than a name to make a way for it. From the moment that one picks up this novel, one becomes intensely interested in the fortunes of the wayward heroine. The interest acquired in her various entanglements is almost personal, and when she is delivered from the clutches of the unscrupulous Val Richardson, one breathes a sigh of relief. Some of the prettiest touches are in connection with the faithful Peter, and when the faithful canine friend meets his untimely end, entire sympathy is felt with Chris in her wild and erratic flight. The characters are well drawn, though there is a tendency to overcoloring in some; but in spite of the interest of the book the plot can hardly be designated as original or deep.

* * * * *

Universal as has been the baseball mania, it is an astonishing fact how little literature has sprung up in connection with the game. This is well shown in the introduction to “Hygiene for Baseball Players,” by A. H. P. Leuf, M.D. (Philadelphia: A. J. Reach & Co. 1888)--a work which, though unpretentious in appearance, is a most valuable and timely publication. It discusses at considerable length the “physiology and philosophy of curve-pitching,” and, as might be gathered from its name, “the diseases and treatment of ball players.” In addition, the relation of human anatomy to the methods of play, proper exercises for players, and numerous other bearings of the game are fully discussed. Illustrations amplify the merits of the text.

* * * * *

A manual that will surely prove of real use to the yachtsman and canoeist is Captain Howard Patterson’s “Canal Guide” (New York Navigation School, New York). As the author truly remarks, it opens up a comparatively new field to yachtsmen, and offers a change to the annual cruise along the same coast line. The instructions given, and tables of depth of water, width of locks, etc., seem to be very complete and to furnish all necessary information.

* * * * *

Carp culture has of late come into much prominence among the pisciculturists of America. A valuable text-book on the subject reaches us, entitled, “Practical Carp Culture,” by L. P. Logan (Youngstown, O.: Evening Herald Print, 1888). Every feature of the industry is fully discussed, and both those who intend to engage in it, and those who take an interest in it as a measure of public utility, should study this little work. Rather more care in preparation might have been advantageously expended on the preparation of the volume, as in a preface of thirty-seven words there are two spelled wrongly.

FUN FROM THE WHEEL.

~College Professor~: Mr. Wheeler, can you give me a definition of a philosopher?

~Mr. Wheeler~ (A racing man, with a grudge against the handicapper): A philosopher is a fellow who starts from scratch with a man ten seconds faster than he is, just to show the handicapper how little he knows about his business.

* * * * *

It is said to be a poor rule that does not work both ways. Messrs. Salmon Bros., of Denver, are trying to introduce the Fly Cycle Co.’s wheels to American riders. A fly has long been the bait used to land salmon, but this is the first case on record where the salmon has reversed this order of things, and himself used the fly for bait. It would seem odd to ask the rider of one of these machines what machine he rode, and have him reply a “fly-wheel,” wouldn’t it?

* * * * *

“I understand Headerboy has grown wealthy of late,” remarked the old member of the Whangdoodle Wheelers to the club captain.

“Yes, he’s making about fifty dollars a week now.”

“Doing what? Why he can’t even ride a wheel without falling of.”

“That’s just it.”

“What do you mean?”

“Why, you see, he carries two or three accident insurance policies, rides a fifty-four-inch wheel when he measures for a fifty inch, so he has only to ride and take headers, to combine pleasure with profit.”

* * * * *

It is said that Kluge, the well-known racing man of the Hudson County Wheelmen, owes his success upon the road and path to his profession as a paper-hanger. It teaches him to thoroughly “size up” the abilities of his opponents, and thus defeat them by taking advantage of their weaknesses.

* * * * *

RACING TERMS AND DEFINITIONS.

First--Adam. Last--Cobblers. Wins--Four aces. Loses--A bluff when called. The Field--Potter’s. Beaten--A drum. They’re off--Lunatics. A False Tart--A mud pie. A Driving Race--Trotting. The Rail--A scolding wife. Left at the Post--The starter. A Foul--A duck-er chicken. The judge’s Stand--On their feet. Dead Heat--110 degrees in the shade. A Tie--A four-in-hand. A Handy-“capper”--A bunco steerer. The Home Stretch--The one to get your hat on the morning after an evening with “the boys.”

Editor’s Scrap Book

The boy who was “kept in” after school hours for bad orthography, and thus prevented from taking his place in the afternoon baseball match, explained to his captain that he was spell-bound.

* * * * *

~Excited Farmer~ (to man with fishing tools): Look here, you can’t catch fish in this stream!

~Piscatorious~: That’s all right. I won’t catch anything. I belong to the Washington Baseball Club.--Puck.

* * * * *

~Woman~ (to tramp): If I give you a nice dinner will you help me put up some patent self-rolling window curtains?

~Tramp~: No, ma’am. I’ll saw wood, carry in coal, or dig post holes, but I wouldn’t help a woman on window curtains if she gave me a Delmonico spread.--New York Sun.

* * * * *

Ocean gives up the following as fun when it states that a vessel resembles a prisoner when she is put in the dock, a witness when she is bound to a-pier, and a judge when she makes a trial trip. This little joke from the Ocean comes to us with the antique flavor of a chestnut.

* * * * *

~Larry~: Your governor said last night, Jack, that he was not at all satisfied with the result of your last year at college.

“Well, by George! I got on the eleven, and pitched for the nine, and won first in the singles. What on earth does he want?” Such is Life.

* * * * *

“You should be a baseball player,” said the beetle to the spider.

“Why so?” inquired the latter.

“You’re so good at catching flies.”

“True, but I’d fall a victim to the fowls.”

And he went behind the bat.--Exchange.

* * * * *

Harvard Lampoon informs its readers that “one of the girls, who pays part of her tuition by chasing the hens out of the Annex Garden, is thinking of entering the sprint races of Mott Haven next year, because she is such an adept in the ‘running shoes.’”

A BALLAD.

The shades of night were falling fast, As from the tennis grounds there passed A youth who bore his head with pride, Because, there, walking by his side, Was Imogene.

His step was light, his eye was bright, His heart was thumping at the sight That lit his soul with love’s bright beams, And fired his brain with glorious dreams Of Imogene.

In cottage homes they saw the light Of household fires gleam warm and bright; But while the silvery moonlight shone, He much preferred it out alone With Imogene.

“Beware the pass,” the old man said, “’Tis dark within the woods ahead.” He answered boldly, “Never fear, For dark is light when she is near-- My Imogene!”

“Oh, stay,” the maiden said; “inside, The parlor door is open wide.” He spoke no word; his eyes aglow Were to his comrade whispering low, “Dear Imogene.”

He sat him down beside his love, And spooned until papa above Grew weary, and a step o’erhead Gave rise to sudden, anxious dread In Imogene.

“Beware the baseball bat of pine-- Beware my papa’s number nine!” This was the maiden’s last good-night; He answered as he shot from sight, “Dear Imogene!”

--Life.

~This~ department of ~Outing~ is specially devoted to paragraphs of the doings of members of organized clubs engaged in the reputable sports of the period, and also to the recording of the occurrence of the most prominent events of the current season. On the ball-fields it will embrace Cricket, Baseball, Lacrosse and Football. On the bays and rivers, Yachting, Rowing and Canoeing. In the woods and streams, Hunting, Shooting and Fishing. On the lawns, Archery, Lawn Tennis and Croquet. Together with Ice-Boating, Skating, Tobogganing, Snowshoeing, Coasting, and winter sports generally.

Secretaries of clubs will oblige by sending in the names of their presidents and secretaries, with the address of the latter, together with the general result of their most noteworthy contests of the month, addressed, “Editor of ~Outing~,” 239 Fifth Avenue, New York.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

All communications intended for the Editorial Department should be addressed to “The Editor,” and not to any person by name. Advertisements, orders, etc., should be kept distinct, and addressed to the manager. Letters and inquiries from anonymous correspondents will not receive attention. All communications to be written on one side of the paper only.

ATHLETICS.

~The~ fifth competition for the Linten and Scheiflin medal in the Brighton Athletic Club took place on the grounds at Pennsylvania Avenue, September 15. The results were as follows:

100-yard run--E. U. Torbett, 5 yds., 1st; W. J. Carr, 2 yds. Time, 11½ sec.

High jump--D. J. Cox, 5 ft. 3 in., 1st; W. J. Carr, 2d.

Half-mile run--W. J. Carr, 25 yds., 1st; A. C. Macgregor, 12 yds., 2d. Time, 2 min. 25 sec.

Broad jump--W. R. Hooper, scratch, 1st, 19 ft. 4¾. in.; H. H. Petit, 2d, 15 in., 18 ft. 11 in.

Hop, step and jump--W. B. Dunlap, 8 in., 1st, 38 ft. 5½ in.

One-mile run--G. U. Forbell, 110 yds., 1st; A. C. Macgregor, 25 yds., 2d. Time, 4 min. 25 sec.

* * * * *

~In~ the long-distance throwing match at Cincinnati, September 19, for the prize money of $100 offered by the Cincinnati Club and the Enquirer diamond locket, Harry Vaughn’s record was broken by Stovey of the Athletics. He threw the ball 369 feet and 2 inches. Tebeau tried to beat it, but only reached 353 feet. Ned Williamson may make a trip here to see if he can go ahead of the best record. Corkhill has not yet thrown.

* * * * *

~Of~ the eleven records broken last May at Worcester, Mass., five are held by the students of Dartmouth.

* * * * *

~The~ formal opening of the New York Athletic Club’s grounds at Travers Island, took place September 22. The twentieth annual fall games of the club also took place. The day was all that could be desired.

Very little was done toward beating or even approaching previous records, the only exception being in putting the sixteen-pound shot, which Mr. George R. Gray managed to cast 44 ft. 5 in., some six inches beyond the existing limit, and Mr. W. L. Condon throwing a sixteen-pound hammer a distance of 117 ft. 9½ in., topping the previous “high-water mark” by some nine feet or more.

The 100-yard run was won by A. F. Copeland, in 10 2-5 secs. Fred Westing second.

The one-mile race was won by G. G. Gilbert, in 5 min. 10 4-5 sec. Second, W. F. Thompson.

T. P. Conneff came in first in the 880-yard run, with C. M. Smith a close second. The 440-yard run was won by J. P. Thornton, in 53 1-5 sec., A. W. S. Cochrane bringing up close in the rear. Fred Westing succeeded in getting first place in the 220-yard run, in 23 4-5 sec., A. W. S. Cochrane again a close second.

A. F. Copeland distinguished himself by winning two hurdle races, the first, 120 yards, in 17 3-5 sec., and the second, 220 yards, in 27 3-5 sec., C. M. Smith being second in the first and C. T. Wiegand behind the winner in the second race.

Mr. Copeland jumped into further fame by covering 22 ft. 0¾ in. in the running broad jump. This was the fourth prize captured by Mr. Copeland.

T. P. Conneff again showed his heels to his competitors in a five-mile run, beating Mr. S. T. Freeth, who came in second, over one-fifth of a mile. The time was 27 min. 4 4-5 sec.

A number of the solid men of the New York and other clubs then struggled with a 56-pound weight, which Mr. Condon, who had broken the record with the 16-pound hammer, succeeded in throwing 26 ft. 6¾ in. A. J. Queckberner just missed this mark by three-quarters of an inch.

Not much was done in the way of pole vaulting. G. P. Quinn managed to clear 10 feet after repeated trials. The record for this event is 11 feet 5 inches. In the running high jump, M. W. Ford, S. I. A. C., cleared 5 feet 10 inches. C. T. Wiegand and R. K. Pritchard managed to lift themselves 5 feet 3 inches in the high jump.

In the aquatic sports the first event, the junior singles, had the following starters: D. G. Smyth, A. W. Lublin and M. J. Austin. Austin won by a length, Lublin spoiling his chances in the race by capsizing.

The second race was for eight-oar shells, handicap. The Rathborne crew allowed the Freeman crew twenty seconds start, the Rathborne eight soon overhauling the other crew and winning easily.

“Jack” Lambden, the pride of the New Rochelle Rowing Club, sized up C. P. Psotta, the amateur champion, and concluded he’d stay out of the senior single race. F. G. McDougall thought it worth the trial, but Psotta was too much for him, winning the race easily in 7 min. 10 sec.

The pair-oared gigs event had four entries, but only two starters appeared, the crews being: E. Wrinacht, bow; J. Cremins, stroke, and D. G. Smyth, coxswain. W. O. Inglis, bow; E. J. Giannini, stroke, and G. D. Phillips, coxswain. The Phillips crew won. Time, 7 min. 55¼ sec.

The double-sculls had four entries and three starters, as follows: J. H. Miller, bow; F. H. Romain, stroke. G. D. Phillips, bow; P. W. Rathbone, stroke. F. J. McDougall, bow; J. M. Austin, stroke. As the boats neared the half mile two fishing boats ran across the course, which threatened disaster to all three of the racing boats. A new start was made, when McDougall and Austin won the race by a length.

The four-oared shells had three entries, and was among the most interesting events of the day. The Devlin crew were looked upon as sure winners, but to the surprise of everybody the Cremins crew won by two lengths, after an exciting and closely contested race. The time was not taken.

Music was furnished by the Davids Island Military Band. The grounds were illuminated at night, many of the visitors staying until a late hour.

* * * * *

~The~ Manhattan Athletic Club completed its annual members’ games, postponed from September 8, at the grounds, Eighty-sixth Street and Eighth Avenue, September 15. A feature of the afternoon was the presentation of a handsome gold watch to Fred Westing, by G. L. M. Sachs, for having made ten seconds in a 100-yard run in England, and having been the first American to win an English championship prize at that distance. Westing had just concluded a trial to break the record at seventy-five yards, 7¾s., when he was given the timepiece. He failed to break the record in his trial, doing the distance against a strong breeze in a shade worse than 7 4-5s., which, under the circumstances, was highly creditable. Another feature of the day was the running of T. P. Conneff, who, without anyone to “run him out,” did 9m. 44 1-5s. for two miles, or about 6¼s. worse than the American record, and 2m. 6s. in a half-mile run. The results of the events were as follows:

100-yard run--Final heat, A. F. Copeland (1½ yds.), 1st; C. Giet (8½ yds.), 2d; time, 10 3-5s. Two trial heats were run last Saturday.

Two-mile run against the record of 9m. 38⅜s., made by E. C. Carter, N. Y. A. C. The trial was made by T. P. Conneff, who had as pace-makers Messrs. Adams, Cooper, Devereaux, Wieners, Bogardus, Giet and Banks. He failed in his attempt, but broke records at 1⅓ miles, 1⅝ miles and 1¾ miles. His time for intermediate distances was, one-quarter, 1m. 7s.; one-half, 2m. 19 1-5s.; three-quarters, 3m. 32 4-5s.; mile, 4m. 48 1-5s.; one and one-third miles, 6m. 27s.; one and five-eighths miles, 7m. 55s.; one and three-quarters miles, 8m. 32 4-5s., and two miles, 9m. 44 1-5s. The best previous record at one and one-third miles was 6m. 38s., by E. C. Carter; at one and five-eighths miles, 8m. 39 2-5s., by W. G. George. There was no previous record in America for one and three-quarters miles, but in England W. G. George ran the distance in 8m. 8 1-5s.

Sixteen-pound hammer--F. V. Lambrecht (scratch) 1st, 107 ft. 10 in.; G. A. Whith, 2d.

120-yard hurdle race--A. F. Copeland (scratch), 1st; Z. A. Cooper (16 yds.), 2d; time, 16 2-5s.

Half-mile walk against Murray’s record of 3m. 2 2-5s.--E. D. Lange, 3m. 10½s.

Running broad jump--Z. A. Cooper (4 ft.), 1st, at 18 ft. 6¼ in.; A. F. Copeland (scratch), 2d, at 21 ft. 6 in.

350-yard run--J. C. Devereaux (16 yds.), 1st; H. M. Banks (scratch), 2d; time, 39 4-5s.

Quarter-mile run--Z. A. Cooper (40 yds.), 1st; G. A. S. Wieners, Jr. (40 yds.), 2d; won easily in 53 3-5s.

Half-mile run--T. P. Conneff (scratch), 1st; F. A. Ware (36 yds.), 2d; won in a walk in 2m. 6s.

* * * * *

~The~ Staten Island Athletic Club is considering the advisability of sending a representative lacrosse team to Europe next spring.

* * * * *

~At~ the annual election of the Olympic Athletic Club, of San Francisco, Cal., September 3, the following officers were elected: President, Wm. Greer Harrison; vice-president, R. P. Hammond, Jr.; treasurer, H. B. Russ; secretary, W. E. Holloway; leader, Geo. Dall; directors, A. C. Forsyth, E. J. Molera, A. R. Smith, B. Baldwin, E. A. Rix, Alfred B. Field. Ground for the new club building will be broken very soon. Among the novelties of its construction will be a cinder track on the roof.

* * * * *

~The~ second annual field day of the Y. M. C. A. of Pittsburgh was held September 22, at the Exposition grounds, Allegheny. A good-sized audience was present, and considerable dissatisfaction was manifest over some of the decisions. Geo. E. Painter acted as referee; B. G. Follansbee and Alfred Reed were the judges. The results:

100 yards (novice)--1st prize, silver goblet; 2d, tennis racket. Won by Frank J. Kron in 11 sec., with E. E. Hughes 2d.

100 yards (junior)--1st prize, silver pitcher; 2d, tennis coat. Won by R. M. Trimble, Sanford B. Evans, 2d.

100 yards (handicap)--1st prize, gold medal; 2d, steel engraving. Won by F. J. Kron (7 yds.), Harry Tinker (5 yds.) 2d. Time, 10¼ sec.

Walking match, one mile--1st prize, silver goblet; 2d, an album. Won by C. V. McLean in 7m. 52s., R. L. McLean 2d.

Standing high jump--1st prize, silver-headed cane; 2d, library lamp. Won by Joe Boggs, who cleared 4 ft. 6½ in.; Belitz was second with 4 ft. 2 in.

220 yards (handicap)--1st prize won by D. H. Barr, in 23s.; H. A. Davis 2d.

Putting the 16-pound shot--1st prize, pair gold sleeve buttons; 2d, traveling set. Won by S. E. Gordon, who threw 34 ft. 10 in.; J. H. Nicholson 2d.

440 yards (handicap)--1st prize, gold medal; 2d, pair Indian clubs. Won by H. A. Davis (20 yds.), in 55 sec.; W. H. Beazell (scratch) 2d.

Running high jump--1st prize, medal; 2d, tennis shoes. Won by Brown, who cleared 5 feet 4½ in.; Pitcairn was 2d.

Throwing the baseball was won by E. F. Schaffer, who threw 99 yds. 1 ft.

888 yards (handicap)--1st prize, gold chain; 2d, running shoes. Won by W. H. Beazell (scratch), in 2m. 12½s.; John McGren (40 yds.) 2d.

Pole vaulting, won by Professor Speer, with S. E. Gordon 2d.

In the hurdle race, H. C. Fry, Jr., beat N. S. Campbell and others.

The day’s sports ended with a three-legged race, which was won by D. A. Barr and W. J. Barr in 12¾s.

* * * * *

~The~ teams representing the Gaelic Athletic Association, which sailed from Queenstown, Ireland, September 16, arrived in this city on the 25th. The names of the Irish athletes are J. S. Mitchell, J. C. Daly, Pat Davin, P. O’Donnell, W. Real, D. Shanahan, J. McCarthy, M. Connery, J. Connery, W. McCarthy, T. J. O’Mahoney, W. Phibbs, T. M. O’Connor, J. Mooney, P. Looney, D. Powers and P. Keohan. The hurlers are G. Burgess, P. P. Sutton, J. Furlong, J. Hayes, Frank Coughlin, James Royce, P. J. Molohan, P. Fox, M. Curran, J. Dunne, J. Nolan, J. Cordial, P. Meleady, P. Davin, P. O’Donnell, T. O’Grady, I. O’Brien, J. Stapleton, T. Ryan, W. Prendergast, J. McCarthy, M. Connery, J. Connery, D. Godfrey, J. Mooney, P. Looney, D. Power, J. Coughlin, M. Hickey, and several others. It will be seen that several of the hurlers are also members of the team that will take part in the track and field events to be held during their stay here. President Maurice Davien, Treasurer R. J. Frewen, and Honorary Secretary W. Prendergast, of the Central Council of the G. A. A., accompany the team. John Cullinane, agent in advance, will have charge of the arrangements for the exhibitions proposed to be given by the Irish athletes in this country and Canada. The hurlers will appear in Irish costume--knee breeches, stockings, and shoes--and one team will wear bright green jerseys, marked with an Irish harp, while the other will wear orange and red jerseys. A game of football will be played. It is not a brutal exhibition, such as the Rugby rules bring out. In the Irish game the football cannot be lifted from the ground with the hands, and there is no throttling.

The Gaelic Association consists of 2,000 Irish athletic clubs, representing 20,000 members. The team consists of fifteen athletes who were winners in the contests in Ireland in August last. Thirty-five are hurlers. They are of all professions and business connections. Maurice Davin, the president, with one hand has thrown a 16-pound hammer 131 ft. 3 in. Pat Davin has a record for a standing high jump of 6 feet 2¾ inches, beating Page’s record. J. S. Mitchell has a record in throwing the 16-pound hammer of 136 ft. 1½ in. Mitchell has run in 4m. 36s. on a bad track. Pat Keohen has a record of 13 ft. 3 in. in a standing jump, beating Ford’s record. There is no captain in the ordinary acceptation of the term.

* * * * *

~The~ exhibition games given by the members of the Gaelic Society athletes, at the Manhattan Athletic Society, on September 29, were mainly for the purpose of introducing the visiting Irish athletes. The first event was a 100-yard dash, four starters, won easily by J. J. Mooney in 10 2-5s., with J. McCarthy second. The second event was a three standing jump contest, three trials, won by P. Keohan, who made 34 ft. 4 in. His two competitors were J. Connery, 33 ft. 4½ in., and J. McCarthy, 32 ft. 5½, in. Keohan’s first jump was 34 ft. Keohan then tried one standing jump with weights, covering 11 ft. 7 in. An interesting event followed, a 120-yard hurdle race, with seven jumps. The competitors were T. J. O’Mahoney and D. Power. O’Mahoney led, but at the last hurdle was caught in splendid style by Power, who came in ahead in 19 4-5s., only two feet in advance of his opponent. T. J. O’Mahoney, who, in Ireland, is called the Rosscarberry Steam Engine, ran 440 yards in 56s., easily beating M. J. Curran. W. Phibbs and W. McCarthy ran a half-mile race, keeping neck and neck nearly all the way, Phibbs winning by a few inches in 2m. 23½s. The high jump was won by T. M. O’Connor, who cleared 5 ft. 8½ in. Throwing the 16-pound hammer excited great interest. The contest lay between J. S. Mitchell, a man of classic proportions and immense strength, and Dr. J. C. Daly, a big man, of great girth, weighing 300 pounds. After two trials each the 16-pound hammer handle broke and an 18-pound one was procured. Mitchell won with 118 ft. 11 in., Daly making 106 ft. 1 in. The record in this country for the 16-pound hammer is 129 ft. Mitchell has now established a record for the 18-pound. The broad jump was won by D. Shanahan, who covered 20 ft. 7½ in., J. Mooney coming second, with 19 ft. 9½ in. The two giants, Mitchell and Daly, next entered on the trial of slinging the 56-pound weight. Each man threw by slinging the weight around the head in the first trial and in the second standing. Mitchell’s record is 35 ft. by “following” his throw. He won the straight throw from the shoulder, covering 30 ft. 10½ in. Dr. Daly threw 30 ft. 5 in. P. Rooney won the running hop, step and jump with 44 ft. 7 in. The last event previous to the hurling match, which was greatly enjoyed, was throwing the 14-pound hammer. Mitchell’s record is 158 ft. He threw it 157 ft., and Dr. Daly, 155 ft. 10½ in.

* * * * *

~The~ fifth annual championship meeting of the Amateur Athletic Association of Canada was held on the grounds of the Montreal Athletic Association, September 29, before 3,000 people. The games were not well managed, and frequent delays brought on nightfall before the programme was finished. The following is a summary of the games:

100-yard run--F. A. Westing, M. A. C., New York, first; time, 10 1-5s. V. E. Schefferstein, O. A. C., San Francisco, second; A. F. Copeland, M. A. C., New York, third.

Putting 16-pound shot--G. R. Gray, N. Y. A. C., first, 42 ft.; C. A. J. Queckberner, S. I. A. C., New York, second, 39 ft. 4½ in.; F. L. Lambrecht, M. A. C., New York, third, 38 ft. 6 in.

Half-mile run--J. W. Moffat, M. A. A. A., Montreal, first; time, 2m. 3 4-5s. G. Tracey, Halifax, N. S., second; C. M. Smith, N. Y. A. C., third.

Three-mile walk--C. L. Nicholl, M. A. C., New York, first, 22m. 44s.; E. D. Lange, M. A. C., New York, second; H. Wyatt, Brickfield Harriers, England, third.

Pole vault--H. H. Baxter, N. Y. A. C., first, 10 ft. 3 in.; L. D. Godshall, M. A. C., New York, second, 10 ft.; G. P. Quinn, M. A. C., New York, third, 9 ft. 6 in.

Two-mile run--T. P. Conneff, M. A. C., first; time, 10m. 10s. P. D. Skillman, N. Y. A. C., second; G. I. Gilbert, N. Y. A. C., third.

220-yard run--A. F. Copeland, M. A. C., New York, first; time, 23½s. A. W. S. Cochrane, N. Y. A. C., second; W. C. White, M. A. C., third.

Throwing 56-pound weight--C. A. J. Queckburner, S. I. A. C., New York, first, 25 ft. 3 in.; G. R. Gray, N. Y. A. C., second, 22 ft.; F. L. Lambrecht, M. A. C., New York, third, 21 ft. 9 in.

Running high jump--M. W. Ford, S. I. A. C., New York, first, 5 ft. 5 in.; C. T. Wiegand, N. Y. A. C., and V. E. Schifferstein, O. A. C., San Francisco, tied for second place at 5 ft. 3 in.

One-mile run--T. P. Conneff, M. A. C., New York, first; time, 4m. 32 3-5s. G. M. Gibbs, Toronto A. C., second; P. D. Skillman, N. Y. A. C., third.

Running broad jump--A. A. Jordan, N. Y. A. C., first, 20 ft. 5 in.; William Halpin, O. A. C., New York, second, 19 ft. 11½ in.; A. F. Copeland, M. A. C., New York, third, 19 ft. 10 in.

440-yard run--W. C. Dohm, N. Y. A. C., first, 51½s.; G. J. Bradish, N. Y. A. C., second; J. P. Thornton, N. Y. A. C., third.

Throwing the 16-pound hammer--C. A. J. Queckburner, S. I. A. C., New York, first, 98 ft. 11½ in.; L. L. Lambrecht, M. A. C., 93 ft. 8 in.; G. R. Gray, N. Y. A. C., third, 74 ft.

120-yard hurdle race--A. F. Copeland, M. A. C., New York, first, 16 2-5s.; A. A. Jordan, N. Y. A. C., second; H. S. Young, M. A. C., New York, third.

BASEBALL.

~In~ the metropolitan amateur arena, the Staten Island Athletic Club’s nine bore off the championship of the Amateur League; the Staten Island Cricket Club’s nine being second; the Brooklyn Athletic Club’s team third, and that of the Orange Athletic Club fourth.

* * * * *

~The~ struggle for the championship of the American Association arena was virtually settled by the first of October in favor of the St. Louis club, leaving the Brooklyn and Athletic clubs to contest for second position, as Cincinnati’s place as fourth was settled before the end of September. When our table was made up, on September 7th, the record stood as follows:

A: St. Louis. B: Athletic. C: Brooklyn. D: Cincinnati. E: Baltimore. F: Cleveland. G: Louisville. H: Kansas City. I: Games Won. J: Per cent. of victories.

------------+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---++----+---- ~Clubs.~ | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H || I | J ------------+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---++----+---- St. Louis |-- |10 |10 | 9 |14 |16 |15 |14 || 88 |.693 Athletic | 7 |-- | 8 |10 |13 |10 |15 |14 || 77 |.611 Brooklyn |10 |10 |-- |11 | 9 |13 |13 |11 || 80 |.606 Cincinnati | 7 |10 | 6 |-- |14 |10 |16 |13 || 76 |.589 Baltimore | 6 | 5 | 8 | 6 |-- | 8 |11 |11 || 55 |.423 Cleveland | 4 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 8 |-- | 9 |10 || 48 |.393 Louisville | 2 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 9 | 8 |-- |10 || 44 |.341 Kansas City | 3 | 3 | 9 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 6 |-- || 42 |.336 +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---++----+---- Games lost |39 |49 |52 |53 |75 |74 |85 |83 ||510 | ------------+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---++----+----

It will be seen that the St. Louis club had a winning lead over a month before the close of the season, while it was a close contest for second place between the Brooklyn and Athletic clubs to the last. The contest in the American arena was settled simply by superior club management.

* * * * *

~The~ interest in the League pennant race for 1888 culminated during the first week in October. That week’s play virtually gave the championship to the New York team. The contest for third place, however, remained unsettled up to the last week of the season, it being a triangular fight between the Philadelphia, Detroit, and Boston teams. In the contest between the four Eastern teams and their Western adversaries, New York led Philadelphia by a percentage of .603 to .594, Boston being away behind. In the fight between the four Western and the four Eastern clubs, Chicago led Detroit by a percentage of .592 to .522, Pittsburg being a poor third. Last year, with Detroit as the pennant winner, Philadelphia came in second, and Chicago third, while New York had to be content with fifth place. This year New York stands first, and Chicago second, while the other three--at the time our record was made up--were fighting for third place; Philadelphia and Detroit being tied for third place with a percentage of .524 each, while Boston stood fifth with a percentage .523. It will be seen that the contest was close and exciting up to the very last week of the season as far as the struggle for third position was concerned. Here is the record in full up to October 8th:

A: New York. B: Chicago. C: Detroit. D: Philadelphia. E: Boston. F: Pittsburgh. G: Washington. H: Indianapolis. I: Games Won. J: Per cent. of victories.

--------------+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---++----+---- ~Clubs.~ | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H || I | J --------------+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---++----+---- New York |-- | 8 |11 |14 |12 | 9 |15 |13 || 82 |.651 Chicago |11 |-- |10 | 8 |12 | 9 |11 |14 || 75 |.573 Detroit | 7 |10 |-- |10 | 8 |10 |10 |11 || 66 |.524 Philadelphia | 5 | 8 | 6 |-- |10 |14 |10 |13 || 66 |.524 Boston | 8 | 7 |10 | 9 |-- | 7 |15 |11 || 67 |.523 Pittsburgh | 5 |11 |10 | 6 | 8 |-- |10 |14 || 64 |.500 Washington | 4 | 6 | 5 | 9 | 5 | 0 |-- | 8 || 46 |.357 Indianapolis | 4 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 6 |12 |-- || 46 |.354 +---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---++----+---- Games lost |44 |56 |60 |60 |61 |64 |83 |84 ||512 --------------+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---++----+----

* * * * *

~In~ the minor Leagues the success of the Syracuse club in winning the International Association’s championship was the event of the month of September, and the same month saw the Newark club win the championship of the Central League.

BOWLING.

At the annual meeting of the Pui Knight Bowling Club, the following officers were elected:--Fred Manners, president; W. A. Tompkins, vice-president; Lyall Hutchings, treasurer; Austin Baldwin, secretary; John Coutrell, captain.

CANOEING.

The annual regatta of the Philadelphia Canoe Club took place on the Delaware River on the afternoon of September 21, and consisted of sailing, paddling, tandem paddling, and upset races. The entries in the sailing race included the Alys, W. S. Grant, Jr.; Water Witch, J. S. Warr, Jr.; Antic, Francis Thibault; Lassie, Harry La Motte; Lelange, Dr. T. S. Westcott; Avocett, A. S. Fenimore; Florence, J. A. Inglis; Nenemoosha, S. H. Kirkpatrick. The start was made at 2.30 o’clock from the club-house at the foot of Second Street, Camden, and the course was around the south end of Petty’s Island, returning around the north end to the club-house, a distance of six miles, the second-class boats having a time allowance of eight minutes. The Water Witch was the first to cross the line in 1h. 2m. 48s.; the Antic second, the Nenemoosha third. The Alys met with an accident, and did not finish. In the paddling race, distance over 1½ miles, the Imp won in 11m. 22s., Avocett second, Impetuous third, Chromo fourth. Grant and Warr, in the Water Witch, won the tandem race, with Kirkpatrick and Inglis in the Nenemoosha, second, and Westcott and Wray in the Lelange, third. The course for the upset race was around a stake-boat and back to the slip, a distance of 300 yards. The entries were: Messrs. Grant, Fenimore, Kirkpatrick and Warr. The former was an easy winner. The judges were: W. J. Haines, Francis Thibault and J. A. Inglis. The presentation of the prizes took place at the Colonnade Hotel, at the club meeting on Monday, September 30.

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~The~ Fall Regatta of the Yonkers Canoe Club took place September 22. The attendance was large, and the balcony of the club-house presented a very gay appearance. At 2.30 ~P.M.~ promptly, the start for the first race was made, and a dozen canoes of rigs of various kinds--leg-o’-muttons, mohican, gunter and lateen--undertook the hard task of crossing the line against the ebb tide and north wind. The Stranger, Mr. Everett Master, and the Caona, Mr. Grant Edgar, took the lead, and the former won the prize of a silk banner. Unfortunately, the lack of wind prevented the sailing of any more races. Four canoes competed in the single paddling race, and H. La Motte, of Philadelphia, won the prize of a pair of paddles. In the tandem paddling race there were five entries, and after an exciting race, unfortunately marred by some fouls, Messrs. Master and Reeves, in the Stranger, won by half a length. J. W. Simpson won the paddling upset race, and also finished first in the hurry-scurry, but with the spirit of a true sportsman, conceded the prize to Mr. Palmer, of the Ianthe Club, who rounded the buoy far ahead. Owing to wrong instructions as to the course, he went much out of his way, but finished a good second. Both gentlemen were, however, given prizes. The final event, a water tournament, was won by Messrs. Master and T. Simpson. The day was wound up by a pleasant entertainment at the club-house in the evening.

CURLING.

The Grand National Curling Club of America met in its twenty-second annual Convention at Adelphi Hall, Seventh avenue and Fifty-second street, New York, September 19. In the absence of President Gen. John McArthur, of Chicago, the vice-president, George Grieve, of New York, occupied the chair. David Foulis, of New York, secretary, reported that the association now numbers thirty-nine clubs, eleven of which are in New York city. Six new clubs were received, as follows: Lodi, of Wisconsin; Heather, of Philadelphia; John o’Groat, Excelsior, and Temple of Honor and Temperance, of New York, and Long Island City, of Long Island City. These officers were chosen: President, George Grieve, New York; vice-presidents, Major John Peattie, Utica; John McCulloch, St. Paul, Minn.; chaplain, William Ormiston, D.D., New York; Secretary and Treasurer, David Foulis, New York. The next convention will be held in Albany.

The delegates to the convention were afterwards entertained at a banquet at the Adelphi Hall on the evening of the same day.

CYCLING.

A series of races between wheelmen took place on the closing day of the State Fair at Philadelphia, September 13. The crowd of spectators was large, weather fine, track fairly good. Summary:

One mile, Pennsylvania Club championship--E. I. Halstead, first, in 3m. 37 2-5s.; C. L. Leisen, second, in 3m. 40s.

Three miles, L. A. W. State championship--E. I. Halstead, Pennsylvania Bicycle Club, first, in 10m. 8 2-5s.; F. M. Dampmann, Honeybrook, second, in 10m. 9s.

One mile, South End Wheelmen--J. J. Bradley, first, in 3m. 30s.; E. J. Kolb, second, in 3m. 31 1-5s.

Quarter mile--E. I. Halstead, Pennsylvania B. C., first, in 40s.; S. W. Merrihew, P. B. C., second, in 41 1-5s.; M. J. Bailey, Century Wheelmen, third.

One mile, open, 3.20 class--S. W. Merrihew, Pennsylvania B. C., first, in 3m. 9 3-5s.; William Taxis, second, in 3m. 9 4-5s.; W. I. Grubb, Pottstown, third.

One mile, novice--H. D. Ludwig, first, in 3m. 21s.; Clarence Elliott, Wilmington, Del., second, in 3m. 22 3-5s.

Half-mile--E. I. Halstead, New York Athletic Club, first, in 1m. 26 2-5s.; M. J. Bailey, Century Wheelmen, second, in 1m. 26 4-5s.

One mile, championship Century Wheelmen--M. J. Bailey, first, in 3m. 45 2-5s.; R. L. Shaffer, second, in 3m. 45 3-5s.

Two miles, lap--E. I. Halstead, New York A. C., first, in 6m. 35 1-5s., scoring 23 points; F. M. Dampmann, Honeybrook, second, 18; S. W. Merrihew, Pennsylvania B. C., third, 11.

One mile, match, tandem tricycle--Louis A. Hill and John G. Fuller defeated John A. Wells and Samuel Crawford in 3m. 47 2-5s.

One mile, 3.00 class--W. I. Grubb, Pottstown, first, in 3m. 10s.; S. W. Merrihew, Pennsylvania B. C., second, in 3m. 10 3-5s.; J. J. Bradley, South End Wheelmen, third, in 3m. 11s.

One mile, match--H. I. Halstead and John G. Fuller, on a tandem bicycle, defeated John A. Wells and Louis A. Hill on a tandem tricycle.

One mile, championship of Philadelphia--H. I. Halstead, Pennsylvania B. C., first, in 3m. 25 2-5s.; L. J. Kolb, South End Wheelmen, second, in 3m. 26s.; M. J. Bailey, Century Wheelmen, third.

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~Robert Ruck~, of the Rambler’s Bicycle Club, of Cleveland, O., attempted to excel the State road record for twenty-four hours, 190 miles, credited to E. J. Douhet, of the same club. He started at midnight, September 15, riding from Monumental Square to Painesville and return, 60 miles; to Elyria, 26 miles; to Dover, 12 miles; back to Ridgefield, 8 miles; to Cleveland, 22 miles; back to Dover and return to Cleveland, 28 miles. The last trip to Dover was made in rain, and over bad roads, which decided Ruck to abandon his task, with a record of 156 miles to his credit. He will try again.

* * * * *

~The~ New Jersey Division, L. A. W., held their annual meet and races at Roseville, N. J., September 21 and 22. All the clubs in the State were represented. Over five hundred wheelmen were present. The management was in the hands of the Orange Wanderers. The events resulted as follows:

One mile, bicycle, championship of the State--Sidney B. Bowman, Jersey City, first, in 3m. 30 2-5s.; E. P. Baggott, Jersey City, second, in 3m. 31s.; C. E. Kluge, Jersey City, the favorite, third, he being out of condition.

One mile, handicap, championship of Passaic County Wheelmen and C. A.--W. E. Shuit (scratch), first, in 3m. 49s.; Charles Finch, 90 yds. start, second, in 4m. 3s.; B. F. Spencer, 50 yds., third.

One mile, safety tandem bicycle, handicap--L. H. Johnson, Orange, and W. H. Caldwell, Elizabeth, riding an Invincible Premier roadster, 50 yds. start, first, in 4m. 1 1-5s.; Louis A. Hill and E. I. Halstead, Philadelphia, on an Ivel racing machine, (scratch), second.

One mile, bicycle, championship of Elizabeth Wheelmen--W. H. Caldwell, first, in 3m. 36s.; L. E. Bonnett, second, in 3m. 39 2-5s.; A. T. Downer, third.

One mile, bicycle, handicap, Orange Wanderers--Amzi T. Todd, 125 yds. start, first, in 3m. 47 4-5s.; Fred Brodesser, 175 yds., second, in 3m. 48 4-5s.; Charles A. Lindsley, 150 yds., third.

Two miles, bicycle, State championship--E. P. Baggott, Jersey City, first, in 7m. 39 2-5s.; F. N. Burgess, Rutherford, second, in 7m. 40s. None of the other starters finished the distance.

One mile, bicycle, championship of Hudson County Wheelmen--S. S. Bowman, 35 yds. start, first, in 3m. 30 3-5s.; Fred J. Guhleman, 75 yds., second, in 3m. 32 2-5s.; J. E. Day, third.

One-third of a mile race--E. I. Halstead, Philadelphia, first, in 59 4-5s.; W. H. Caldwell, Elizabeth, second, in 1m. 2s.; W. F. Pendleton, third.

One mile, championship of Plainfield B. C.--M. S. Ackerman, first, in 3m. 58 4-5s.; Van Buren, second, in 4m. 1 2-5s.

One mile, consolation--A. Zimmerman, first, in 3m. 56 1-5s.; F. N. Burgess, second, in 4m. 1½s.; A. C. Jenkins, third.

One mile, tandem tricycle--Sidney B. Bowman and W. H. Caldwell, first, in 5m. 13 1-5s.; C. E. Kluge and L. H. Johnson, second, in 5m. 54 1-5s.

Hill climbing, Eagle Rock Hill, one mile--Fred Coningsby, Brooklyn Bicycle Club, first, in 7m. 43s.; C. L. Leisen, Pennsylvania Bicycle Club, Philadelphia, second, in 8m. 17s.; Edgar Decker, Orange Wanderers, third, in 9m. 15s. The winner rode a Victor Safety.

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~The~ meeting held at the Park, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., September 21 and 22, proved a success. There was a large crowd of people present each day. The following is the summary:

One mile, novice, amateur--H. D. Betts, Poughkeepsie, first, in 3m. 16s.; E. T. Van Benschoten, Poughkeepsie, second, by four lengths; Jesse Colwell, Rochdale, third.

One mile, amateur--John Van Benschoten, Poughkeepsie, 50 yds., first, in 2m. 57¼s.; Theodore W. Roberts, Poughkeepsie, scratch, second, by ten lengths; W. H. Boshart, Poughkeepsie, 130 yds., third.

One mile, professional--Robert A. Neilson, Boston, Mass., 50 yds. start, first, in 2m. 46s.; W. F. Knapp, Denver, Col., 30 yds., second, by a scant length; W. A. Rowe, Lynn, Mass., scratch, third; H. G. Crocker, Boston, 20 yds., fourth.

Five miles, amateur, open--William I. Wilhelm, Reading, Pa., first, in 16m 29¾s.; Ludwig Forster, Hartford, Conn., second, by fifteen lengths; W. E. Crist, Washington, D. C., third; Theodore W. Roberts, Poughkeepsie, fourth.

Three miles, professional--William F. Knapp, Denver, Col., 70 yds. stare, first, in 9m. 20s.; William A. Rowe, Lynn, Mass., scratch, second; H. G. Crocker, Boston, 50 yds., third; Robert A. Neilson, Boston, 110 yds., fourth.

One mile, amateur, open--William I. Wilhelm, Reading, Pa., first, in 3m. 5s.; W. E. Crist, Washington, second; Ludwig Forster, Hartford, Conn., third.

One mile, tandem, professional--Robert A. Neilson and H. G. Crocker, Boston, scratch, first, in 3m. 15¼s.; W. J. Morgan, New York, and T. W. Eck, Minneapolis, 150 yds. start, second, by ten lengths.

Two miles, amateur, 6.20 class--Ludwig Forster, Hartford, Conn., first, in 7m. 2¾s.; John Van Benschoten, Poughkeepsie, second, three lengths away; H. Von der Linden, Poughkeepsie, third, close up.

One mile, professional, open--William A. Rowe, Lynn, Mass., first, in 2m. 41 3-5s.; H. G. Crocker, Boston, second, close behind; W. F. Knapp, Denver, third, half a length away.

One mile, amateur, championship of Dutchess County--John Van Benschoten, Poughkeepsie, first, in 3m.; Theodore W. Roberts, Poughkeepsie, second, by half a length; H. Von der Linden, Poughkeepsie, third. The winner bestrode a heavy roadster, which makes his performance the more creditable. He is a very promising rider, and with careful training should not fail to make his mark.

Two miles, teams--William I. Wilhelm, Reading, first, in 2m. 51½s.; John Van Benschoten, Poughkeepsie, second; Theodore W. Roberts, Poughkeepsie, third.

Two miles, professional--William F. Knapp, Denver, Col., first, in 6m. 1¾s.; W. A. Rowe, Lynn, scratch, second; H. G. Crocker, Boston, third; R. A. Neilson, Boston, fourth; W. J. Morgan, N. Y. City, fifth.

One mile, amateur, 3.20 class--E. T. Van Benschoten, Poughkeepsie, first, in 3m. 15s.; Ludwig Forster, Hartford, Conn., second; Carl Kroeber, Yonkers, N. Y., third.

Half-mile, professional--H. G. Crocker, Boston, first, in 1m. 19¾s.; W. F. Knapp, Denver, second, Robert A. Neilson, Boston, third.

One mile, amateur, 3.00 class--John Van Benschoten, Poughkeepsie, first, in 3m. 17¼s.; H. Von der Linden, Poughkeepsie, second.

Five miles, amateur, 16.00 class--W. E. Crist, Washington, D. C., first, in 18m. 28¾s.; Ludwig Forster, Hartford, Conn., second.

Three miles, professional--W. F. Knapp, Denver, first, in 9m. 31½s.; W. J. Morgan, New York, second.

Three miles, professional--William A. Rowe, Lynn, Mass., first, in 9m. 31½s.; W. F. Knapp, Denver, Col., second; William J. Morgan, New York, third.

Two miles, amateur, open--W. E. Crist, Washington, D. C., first, in 6m. ½s.; William I. Wilhelm, Reading, Pa., second.

One mile, consolation, amateur--E. Winans, Poughkeepsie, first, in 3m. 26¼s.; Carl Kroeber, Yonkers, second.

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~The~ grand meeting at Charter Oak Park, Hartford, Conn., September 13, 14, under the auspices of the Hartford Wheel Club, was a great success. The track was in good order. The strength of the wind prevented any record-breaking on the first day. On the second day W. E. Crist, of Washington, and R. H. Davis, of Harvard, made a mile on a tandem safety in 2m. 44½. Ludwig Forster, of the Hartford Wheel Club, won six of twenty races among the amateurs.

One mile, novices--E. A. Tucker, Meriden, first, in 3m. 2½s.; G. A. Pickett, New Haven, second, by eight yards; D. C. Shea, Hartford, third.

One mile, professional championship of America--William A. Rowe, Lynn, Mass., first, in 2m. 50¾s.; Ralph Temple, Chicago, Ill., second by less than six inches.

One mile, amateur, open--Will Windle, Millbury, Mass., first, in 2m. 56s.; J. F. Midgley, Worcester, second by three yards.

Two miles, amateur, 6.10 class--Ludwig Forster, Hartford, first, in 6m. 11¼s.; George Smart Hartford, second, by eight feet; S. J. Steele, Bristol, Conn., third.

One mile, amateur, Rover type, R. D. safety--W. E. Crist, Washington, D. C., first, in 2m. 55¾s.; Robert Davis, Rome, Italy, second by two yards; William Harding, Hartford, third.

One mile, Columbia Cycle Club handicap--F. B. Covell, 90 yds. start, first in 3m. 6s.

Five miles, lap, professional--W. A. Rowe won the first lap, H. G. Crocker the second and third laps, and W. F. Knapp the two following and first money; Crocker second, Rowe and Ralph Temple dividing third money.

Two miles, amateur handicap--Ludwig Forster, Hartford, 130 yds. start, first, in 6m. 50s.; P. S. Brown, Washington, D. C., second; Harry Kingston, Baltimore, third.

Three miles, amateur, State championship--Ludwig Forster, Hartford, first, in 9m. 34s.; William Harding, Hartford, second, close up; H. C. Backus, New Haven, third.

One mile, tricycle, amateur--W. E. Crist, Washington, D. C., first, in 3m. 9½s.; Robert Davis, Rome, Italy, a Harvard student, second by three yards.

One mile, 3.00 class, amateur--Ludwig Forster, Hartford, first, in 2m. 52½s.; H. C. Backus, New Haven, second; G. I. Whitehead, Hartford, third.

One mile, professional handicap--W. F. Knapp, Denver, Col., 30 yds. start, first, in 3m. 34¼s.; Jules Dubois, Paris, 90 yds., second; W. J. Morgan, New York, 120 yds., third.

One mile, amateur, Rover type, R. D. safety, handicap--Robert H. Davis, Rome, Italy (scratch), first, in 2m. 46s.; William Harding, Hartford, 50 yds. start, second, by six feet; P. S. Brown, Washington, 100 yds., third.

One mile, Hartford Wheel Club, handicap--Ludwig Forster (scratch), first, in 2m. 50s.; F. L. Damery, 120 yds. start, second, by a wheel; D. C. Shea, 150 yds., third.

One mile, amateur handicap--S. J. Steel, Bristol, 100 yds. start, first, in 2m. 45¼s.; W. I. Wilhelm, Reading, Pa., 40 yds, second; P. S. Brown, Washington, 75 yds., third.

Three miles, professional, lap--W. F. Knapp, Denver, Col., first, in 10m. 30s.; W. A. Rowe, Lynn, Mass., second; Ralph Temple, Chicago, and H. G. Crocker, Boston, dividing third money.

One mile, amateur State championship--Ludwig Forster, Hartford, first, in 3m. 32¼s.; H. C. Backus, New Haven, second, by two yards.

Five miles, amateur lap--P. S. Brown, Washington, first, in 15m. 27½s.; W. E. Crist, Washington, second; W. J. Wilhelm, Reading, Pa., third.

One mile, professional, consolation--R. A. Neilson, Boston (scratch), first, in 3m. 8¾s.; J. R. West, England, a one-legged rider, 150 yds. start, second.

One mile, amateur, consolation--G. I. Whitehead, Hartford, first, in 3m. 19½s.; James Wilson, Jr., Worcester, second; George C. Dresser, Hartford, third, the three being nearly in line.

Field officers: Referee, Howard P. Merrill; judges, C. S. Howard, W. G. Kendall and George H. Burt; timers, F. G. Whitmore, C. T. Stuart and J. H. Parker; starter, H. H. Chapman; clerk, Henry Goodman.

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~The~ Essex Club, of Newark, which has been in existence since May, 1879, and is known as “Old Essex,” resumed its runs, which were discontinued during July and August, in the last days of September. The organization is one of the pioneers of cycling, and is the third oldest club in the National League of American Wheelmen. Stone House Plains, South Orange and Irvington, Avondale, Roselle, Rahway, and Montclair were visited during October. The programme for this month, so far as arranged, is a run to Montrose, and on the 6th a run to Caldwell and Parsippany, to Morris Plains Asylum, thence to Morristown, and return, via Madison, home.

* * * * *

~Mr. Frank I. Stott~, secretary of the New York Bicycle Club, has issued a call for the formation of a wheelman’s bowling league, for inter-club contests during the ensuing winter. The idea is an excellent one, and replies from the Long Island Wheelmen, Harlem Wheelmen, King’s County Wheelmen, Atlantas of Newark, and Hudson County Wheelmen of Jersey City, have already been received, favoring the affair, and promising their support and play, so that a close and spirited contest for supremacy may be looked for, and the success of the affair is assured. By this means not only is a more perfect acquaintance between neighboring clubs arrived at, but the winter, the dull season in wheeling, is pleasantly employed.

* * * * *

~The~ New York Bicycle Club took possession of their newly-erected west end club-house on September 1st. The building is beyond question the most costly ever constructed for a cycling club-house, representing as it does an expenditure of nearly $45,000 exclusive of furniture and interior decorations. The club and their new home are both a credit to the sport, and speak volumes for the permanency of wheeling interest.

* * * * *

~The~ feeling of dissatisfaction against the League of American Wheelmen that has for some time existed in Brooklyn, has taken form in the organization of “The Cyclists’ Union of Long Island.” The Union proposes to devote itself to the protection and development of Long Island cycling, and will be purely local in its scope and action. The charter members are: Messrs. J. B. Huggins, G. W. Mabie, C. A. Bradford, C. Newberg, M. L. Bridgeman, M. Furst, H. Greenman, H. E. Raymond, W. J. Clark, and L. G. Wilder. The C. U. L. I. declares itself as not being in any way antagonistic to the L. A. W.

* * * * *

~The~ mileage of the New York Bicycle Club for the eight months ending September 1st was 35,269, of which 36 men rode 8,093 in August. George M. Nesbit leads with a total of 5,039 for the year, 1,219 of which was made in August. His longest day’s ride was 162 miles, and his average per riding day in the 1,219 miles was 44 3-5 miles. W. E. Findley follows with a total to date of 2,794, 590 being credited to him for August. His longest ride in one day was 134 miles, and his record of 132 days’ riding without a break is record. J. M. Andreni rode 406 miles in August on a tricycle, bringing his record for the year up to 1,285. Irving M. Shaw shows 145 miles done in one day, with a total for the year of 1,763. The figures in the above are beyond question, as they are those on which the club’s prizes for mileage of 1888 will be awarded. Nesbit’s total and Findley’s 132 days of consecutive riding are notable performances. All of the gentlemen named are in active business, and have accomplished these performances for purely recreative purposes, after business hours.

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~The~ most important event in the cycling world in the West was the inter-State tournament which has closed its three days’ session in Kansas City, September 9th. The track was rough, and fast time was not made nor expected.

The first race, the one-mile Kansas State championship, was won by A. Joseph Henley, of Wichita; Harry Gordon, of St. Louis, took the first prize in the one-mile hurdle; in the three-mile handicap, Percy Stone, of St. Louis, took first prize, and Nelson T. Haynes of Kansas City, second; in the one-mile club championship, open only to Kansas City United Wheelman, Mr. Haynes took the handsome cup presented by the Pope Manufacturing Company. One of the fastest races was the two-mile lap race, which was won by Percy Stone, of St. Louis; Harry Gordon, second. The one-mile handicap was won by Percy Stone; Frank Mehlig, of St. Louis, second. An important race was the three-mile Kansas State championship, which was won by A. Joseph Henley. The half-mile race, with hands off, was won by Harry Gordon; John A. De Tar, of Kansas City, second; the one-mile Missouri State championship was won by John Hogden, of St. Louis; the three-mile Missouri State championship was won by Percy Stone, as was also the two-mile team race, which secured for him a handsome silver cup. The tournament closed with a banquet at the Midland, which was a grand affair, and healed many wounds that had been received during the three days’ contest.

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~The~ cycling clubs of New Orleans enrolled in the Louisiana division of the L. A. W., gathered in Audubon Trotting Park, September 27, for the fourth annual race meeting. Two thousand ladies graced the grand stand. The officers of the course were Harry H. Hodgson, chief consul, referee. Judges: F. C. Fenner, J. M. Gore, R. W. Abbott, C. H. Fenner, B. F. Albertson. Timers: P. M. Hill, J. C. O’Reardon, W. L. Hughes. Starter: Edward A. Shields. Clerk: C. M. Fairchild.

The following is a summary of the results:

First race--Novice, one mile. Entries: H. Christy, W. W. Ulmer, R. P. Patson, R. P. Randal, George Johnson, Jr., and Charles H. Fourton. Christy, after a struggle, won. Time, 3.49.

Second race--One mile, championship of the South. Entries: R. P. Randall, C. B. Guillotte and C. T. Mitchell. Guillotte won, hands down. Time, 3.38 3-5.

Third race--One mile, Louisiana Cycling Club championship. Entries: R. G. Betts, W. H. Renaud, Jr., L. J. Frederic, Jr., W. M. Hathorn, H. Christy, E. M. Graham, W. W. Ulmer, A. B. Harris, R. P. Randall, W. E. Hobson, W. H. Crouch and M. S. Graham. Hathorn was so well out of harm’s way near the close that he won rather easily in 3m. 38 2-5s., Graham second, Frederic third, Betts fourth and Randall last, of course. Time, 3m. 38 2-5s.

Fourth race--Half-mile, for boys under sixteen. Entries: Robert Jobin, Eddie Dupre, Albert Abbott, J. Born, Guy Menton, Aiken Polkingham, J. Swartz, Theo. Bernhard, Thayer Randall, Eddie Dare and J. D. Houston, Jr. Eddie Dupre won as he pleased in 2m. 19 1-5s. Albert Abbott second, J. Born third, Robert Jobin fourth.

Fifth race--One mile, State championship. Entries: Chas. B. Guillotte, Chas. H. Fourton, C. T. Mitchell and Randall. Guillotte, in this race, as he did in all he rode, killed his opponents by fast riding for the first half-mile, then going it easy and winning as he pleased. Time, 3m. 34 2-5s.

Sixth race--One mile, for safety wheels. Entries, as they finished in the race: Hathorn, Johnston, Renaud, Ulmer, Frederic. Time, 4m. 14 2-5s.

Seventh race--100 yards, last man wins. Entries; W. E. Hobson and R. P. Randall. Hobson won. Time, 2m. 18s.

Eighth race--One mile handicap. This race was won by H. Christy. Time, 3m. 40 4-5s. The distance traveled by the winner was 240 yards short of a mile.

Ninth race--2½, miles, lap race, points to count. Entries: Guillotte, Christy, Hathorn, Graham and Randall. Guillotte won. Time, 9m. 55 1-5s.

Tenth race--One mile, consolation. Entries made on the track. Betts won. Time, 3m. 55s. Frederic second and Harris third.

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~The~ Saint Cloud Club, of St. Cloud, Minn., was formed the last of July, and is known as the “St. Cloud Mystics.” Dr. S. Charest is president and captain, and James R. Jerrard the secretary and treasurer. The club has not yet joined the League, but intends to do so. The uniform is blue belts and caps, black coat, pants and stockings, and white shirts.

* * * * *

~The~ world’s record for one mile on safety tandems was made at Hartford, Conn., by Messrs. Crist and Davis, on a Swift tandem, and not on a Premier, as stated erroneously in a number of papers.

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~In~ answer to an appeal made by ~Outing~ on behalf of the wheelmen of New York, the following letter has been received, which will, we think, please our cycling friends:

~Office of the Board of Aldermen~, } ~No. 8 City Hall~, ~New York~, } October 9, 1888. }

To the Editor of ~Outing~.

Dear Sir: Your favor of 6th instant is at hand. I will endeavor to look into the matter of the pavement of Madison Avenue, from 32d Street to the Park, to-day.

Yours very truly,

~Geo. H. Forster~.

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~Our~ readers will notice that we make no record of the recent so-called championship of the world races between Ralph Temple and W. A. Rowe. In view of the disclosures effected by the Boston Herald and other papers, our reasons are obvious. The effect of such proceedings can only be a further stigma on professionalism.

FISHING.

~The~ officers of the Grand Central Fishing Club, of Cincinnati, O., for the year are: President, Herman H. Rotherl; secretary, Henry H. Muller; treasurer, Peter Bonte; commissary and quartermaster-general, Henry Stueve; adjutant and assistant to commissary and quartermaster-general, Adam Lotz; chaplain, Edward A. Shiele; assistant chaplain, Carl Lesber, and surgeon, Henry Morning.

FOOTBALL.

~The~ Boston Herald, in a dispatch from New Haven, gives the following changes in the football rules, adopted by the Intercollegiate Football Association:

1. To allow tackling above the knees.

2. To permit the snapper back to rush the ball.

3. To prohibit the rush line from using their hands or arms in blocking.

4. In putting the ball in play from touch, it “can be either bounded in or touched in with both hands at right angles to the touch line.”

(1.) In tackling, the line has always been drawn at the hips. In actual play, however, the tackler cared very little if his hands slipped below the hips so long as he checked his man, and the umpires, when called upon to declare it intentional, hesitated, and seldom disqualified. The new rule permits a dangerous tackle, and is not an improvement.

(2.) This was the disputed point in the Yale-Harvard game last year. The rule (29) was ambiguously worded, and Yale, by a little headwork, easily overcame it, and the referee could not very well decide against them. Last year the snapper-back could not rush the ball until it had touched a third man.

(3.) The new rule reads: “No player can lay his hands upon or interfere with, by use of hands or arms, an opponent, unless he has the ball.” And interference is defined “as using the hands or arms in any way to obstruct or hold a player who has not the ball.”

The intent of this rule is to make the rushers keep their arms down when lined up, or when covering one of their own men who is making a run. It looks easy enough on paper, but in actual practice it will probably be as easy to keep a rusher’s arms down as to keep a duck away from water.

To the casual spectator, and to those not experts in the technical points of the rules, the game will be as it has been--simon-pure football.

* * * * *

~A match~ was played at Montreal, September 22, between the Britannias and Victorias, which resulted in favor of the former team by 13 to 0. The following were the teams:

BRITANNIAS. VICTORIAS.

J. Ross Back Fred. Stewart Crathern } Three-quarter { A. M. McEwen Watson } Back { Ferndale Ross Half Back R. Clarke Kerby } { A. Fyfe Thompson } { J. A. Gubian Harvey } Forwards { C. McClatchie Murphy } { T. A. Ouimet McFarlane } { D. Hamilton Kinghorn } { J. H. Gubian H. Patterson } { T. Scott Warden } Wings { E. May Cameron } { J. McKay Sinclair } { A. Cowan

September 22, a match between the Britannia third and Victoria second fifteens, resulted in a victory for the Britannias by 18 points to 0.

* * * * *

~The~ American Football Union arranged the following schedule for the autumn games: October 13--Orange vs. Staten Island, at Livingston; New York vs. Crescents, Brooklyn. October 20--Staten Island vs. Crescents, on Staten Island; New York vs. Orange, at New York. October 27--Staten Island vs. New York, in New York; Orange vs. Crescent, Brooklyn. November 3--Staten Island vs. Orange, on Staten Island; New York vs. Crescent, New York. November 10--Staten Island vs. Crescent, Brooklyn; New York vs. Orange, at New York. November 17--New York vs. Staten Island, on Staten Island, and Orange vs. New York, in New York. The Crescent Football Club won the championship of the union last year.

* * * * *

~The~ Amateur League Football Club has elected the following officers: President, H. B. Wheatcroft; treasurer, Dr. Mortimer; secretary, T. Savage.

* * * * *

~W. J. Ford~ has been elected captain of the football team of the Crescent Athletic Club, of Brooklyn. He will organize two teams for the season.

* * * * *

~The~ Clinton Football Club was organized in Newark recently. The governing council consists of W. Elcox, C. Hopwood and C. Von Lengerke. Carl Suffern was elected captain.

* * * * *

~At~ the meeting of the executive committee of the Intercollegiate Football Association, the most radical changes, says The Dartmouth, in the rules were concessions to Harvard. A tackle may now be made anywhere above the knees. Interference was strictly defined and the rule re-enforced.

* * * * *

~The~ Canadian team now in England won a splendid victory, September 15, at Edinburgh, over the Hearts of Midlothian, one of the best football teams of Great Britain, by a score of three to none. The Canadians had by far the best of the play all through. The Canadian team is composed of Messrs. Garrett, Brubacher, Keller, Pirie, Kranz, Gordon, Webster, Thomas and Alexander Gibson.

* * * * *

~The~ Britannia and Victoria Rifle teams played a match in Montreal, September 15, which was won by the Britannias. Score, 7 to 4.

* * * * *

~The~ Ottawa College team has reorganized for the season. The team is heavier than those of previous years, and the outlook is promising.

KENNEL.

~The~ regular annual show of the Tri-State Fair Association, of Toledo, Ohio, was held in that city, September 27 to 31. Messrs. John Davidson and H. L. Goodman judged all classes. There were 166 entries.

* * * * *

~The~ long-looked-forward-to bench show at Buffalo was held September 11 to 14. The entries numbered five hundred and thirty-two, and the quality was good throughout. The judging, except in a few instances, gave satisfaction. The very liberal policy of the Buffalo club in regard to premiums offered has gained them a host of friends amongst the dog men. The money prizes alone footed up to some $4,000, and the list of specials was a long one. The weather was good, and the attendance was simply enormous. There were many of the arrangements that can be improved upon another year; in fact, the management was not of the best, owing, perhaps, to the reason that all the work appeared to be on the shoulders of two men, when there was enough to keep six going all the time. Next year, however, we shall look for an improvement. National Dog Club rules governed.

* * * * *

~Good~ weather, good quality, cheerful and polite officers, and good judging, were the features of the show following Buffalo--Syracuse. A small entry and poor attendance were the drawbacks. Entries numbered three hundred and nineteen, but the absentees reduced this to less than three hundred. The management worked like heroes and kept things in good shape. The hall was light and well ventilated. American Kennel Club rules were in force.

* * * * *

~The~ London, Ontario, show, held the week following Syracuse, was the first of five to be held annually by the London Kennel Club. Everything ran smoothly. The entries made a very good showing with the quality fair. A new judge cropped out here, by the name of Bell, from Toronto. He judged spaniels and some of the smaller classes. When will men learn that because they have owned a dog or so for a year or two they are not competent judges? A man to be a judge at a bench show should be a breeder of experience and of long standing. Each year brings out its quota of new judges, who are heard of once and then sink away into oblivion.

LACROSSE.

~The~ Eastern and Western champions of Canada--the Brants of Paris, Ont., and the Shamrocks, of Montreal--met on the grounds of the latter club, at Montreal, September 22, and played before an audience of about 4,000 spectators. The result was three straight games for the Shamrocks. The teams were as follows:

SHAMROCKS. POSITIONS. BRANTS.

Reddy Goal Robinson Barry Point Whitson Creagan Cover Point Jennings Fraser } Defence { Whitelaw Duggan } field { Watson Ahern } { Skea Devine Centre Munn Neville } Home { Pickering Reilly } field { J. Adams Ellard } { D. Adams Keefe Outside home Walker Brown Inside home Tate Dumphy Captain Jas. Adams

Referee--W. L. Maltby.

Umpires--Messrs. McLeod and A. W. Stevenson.

Summary of Score--First game, Shamrocks, Ellard, ½m.; second game, Shamrocks, O’Reilly, 9m.; third game, Shamrocks, Devine, 20m.

* * * * *

~The~ tournament held at Washington Park, Brooklyn, in June, for the championship of the Eastern Association, was hardly as successful as it was hoped it would be. In part this was due to the day selected. But three clubs competed--the Staten Island Athletic Club, the Brooklyns, and the Maple Leafs, from Philadelphia. In winning first place and the championship, and defending it successfully in several games since, the team of the Staten Island Club--formerly the New York Lacrosse Club--has shown that a change of name did not affect its playing abilities.

A word regarding this change will not be out of place here. For many years the New York Lacrosse Club had been without a home. Notwithstanding this drawback, it struggled on. The record of its games will show that disappointments did not dishearten the members. This spring the opportunity of uniting with the Staten Island Athletic Club offered and was taken advantage of. As a part of the Athletic Club it now enjoys a home, has a suitable place for practice, and hopes in time to surpass its previous achievements.

* * * * *

~A match~ for the Eastern District Junior Championship was won by the Junior Shamrocks from the Crescents, at Montreal, September 22, by three straight games. The teams were as follows:

CRESCENTS. POSITIONS. JUN. SHAMROCKS.

Mazurette Goal McKenna Blakely Point Brophy Murphy Cover point Dwyer Brown First defence Driscoll Crosby Second defence Curran Bark Third defence McVey Clapperton Centre Moore McCabe Third home McBrearty McDonnell Second home Rowan McAnulty First home Cafferty McCafferty Outside Tansey Herbert Inside Lavery F. W. McAnulty Captain Maguire

Summary of Score--First game, Junior Shamrocks, Tansey, 2m.; second game, Junior Shamrocks, Brown, 15m.; third game, Junior Shamrocks, Cafferty, 1m.

Messrs. Hodgson and Shanks, umpires.

W. J. Cleghorn, referee.

LAWN TENNIS.

~The~ eighth annual tournament of the United States National Lawn Tennis Association for doubles was held on the grounds of the Staten Island Cricket and Baseball Club, Wednesday, September 12. The entries were not as large as in previous years, but the playing was excellent, namely, the match between H. W. Slocum, Jr., and Foxhall Keene against E. P. MacMullen and C. Hobart. All present were of one opinion that it was the best double tennis ever seen in this country. After reaching two sets all, Slocum and Keene seemed to weaken, while their opponents played with more confidence and heart. The struggle in the second round between 0. S. Campbell and V. G. Hall against H. A. Taylor and J. S. Clark was noticeable for many fine rallies and accurate placing. But the former team proved themselves too much for the veterans, and won the match three sets to one. In the finals great interest and excitement prevailed as Campbell and Hall were to face Hobart and MacMullen. The day set for the match was a perfect one, so that by three o’clock, when the referee called play, nearly two thousand people surrounded the court. From the very first it was apparent that Hall and Campbell had the match well in hand, while Hobart and MacMullen played as if slightly rattled. Three games all were called by the umpire on the first set. The playing so far had been very even. Each team now scored another game “four all.” Hall and Campbell, by fine serving and placing, won the next two games and set, 6-4. The second set also fell to them, 6-2, and the third in like manner, 6-4. The championship was over, and Hall and Campbell were victorious.

Number of points, 179. Campbell and Hall won 102; MacMullen and Hobart, 77. Points lost by ball knocked out, Campbell and Hall, 19; MacMullen and Hobart, 29. Points lost by putting into net, Campbell and Hall, 22; MacMullen and Hobart, 28. Balls placed or passing opponent, Campbell and Hall, 38; MacMullen and Hobart, 27. Following will be found the score in full: Preliminary round, A. Torrence and H. M. Torrence, Jr., beat M. S. Paton and C. E. Sands, 3-6, 1-6, 6-1, 7-5, 9-7; E. P. MacMullen and C. Hobart beat W. E. Glyn and M. F. Goodbody, 6-3, 7-5, 6-0; F. V. Beach and C. H. Ludington beat J. Dwight and I. Shaw, Jr., by default. First round, H. A. Taylor and J. S. Clark beat A. Torrence and H. M. Torrence, Jr., 6-3, 6-4, 6-3; V. G. Hall and 0. S. Campbell beat C. J. Post and W. A. Tomes, 6-2, 6-1, 6-1; B. F. Cummins and E. W. McClellan beat F. V. Beach and C. H. Ludington, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 7-9, 6-4; C. Hobart and E. P. MacMullen beat H. W. Slocum, Jr., and Foxhall Keene, 6-2, 3-6, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3. Second round, V. G. Hall and O. S. Campbell beat H. A. Taylor and J. S. Clark, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3; C. Hobart and E. P. MacMullen beat B. F. Cummins and E. W. McClellan, 6-2, 5-7, 6-4, 6-3. Final and championship round, V. G. Hall and 0. S. Campbell beat C. Hobart and E. P. MacMullen, 6-4, 6-2, 6-4. Consolation prize, Beach and Ludington beat Post and Tomes, 7-5, 6-4, 8-10, 8-10, 8-6. Second prize, Hobart and MacMullen beat Post and Tomes, 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. Taylor and Clark defaulted.

* * * * *

~A very~ pleasant and enjoyable tournament was given at Revere, Mass., September 3d, on the club grounds of the Revere Lawn Tennis Club. The audience was large and fashionable. The final game was won by Mr. Kimball, over his opponent, Mr. Tutien, by a score, 6-4, 6-2.

* * * * *

~The~ fall tournament of the Staten Island Athletic Club, August 30th, was regarded by all as the best entry list and best tennis yet seen on the grounds. Following will be found the score in full: Preliminary round--J. Brown beat N. Morris by default; J. W. Raymond beat W. Brown by default; J. E. Elliott beat W. A. French, 6-0, 6-0; D. Miller beat F. W. Smith, 6-2, 3-6, 10-8; Sam. Campbell, Jr., beat A. Williamson, 6-2, 2-6, 6-3. First round, A. H. Larkin beat S. Campbell, 0-6, 6-1, 8-6; E. P. Johnson beat W. E. Gaynor, 6-4, 6-3; W. Brown beat M. DeGarmendia by default; B. J. Carroll beat F. A. Kellogg, 6-3, 6-5; Raymond beat J. Johnson, 6-0, 6-4; Elliott beat Henshaw, 6-0, 6-0; Post beat Kelly, 6-0, 6-1; Miller beat Frothingham, 6-1, 6-4. Second round, Larkin beat Brown, 6-4, 6-0; Miller beat Johnson, 6-2, 2-6, 6-2; Elliott beat Carroll, 6-2, 5-6, 6-3; Raymond beat Post, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2. Third round, Elliott beat Larkin, 6-5, 6-5; Raymond beat Miller, 6-3, 6-5. Final round, Raymond beat Elliott, 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 6-0. In the doubles, E. P. MacMullen and C. Hobart, of the N. Y. Tennis Club, were victorious, defeating Smith and Elliott in the final round, 6-1, 6-0, 7-5.

* * * * *

~The~ second annual invitation tournament of the New Hamburgh Lawn Tennis Club was held Tuesday, September 18th, and following days on the private grounds of Mrs. Swords and Mrs. Reese. The rain, which fell heavily during the entire week, greatly interfered with the playing. The final singles (out of twenty-four entries) was fought between Mr. O. S. Campbell and Mr. V. G. Hall. The former won after a long and hard struggle. Score: Campbell beat Hall, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5, 11-9. In the gentlemen’s doubles, Messrs. Campbell and Steele were victorious, defeating the Hall brothers in the finals, 1-6, 6-2, 6-4. Miss E. C. Roosevelt, of Poughkeepsie (well known on the tennis field), won the ladies’ singles over Miss Anna Sands. The ladies’ doubles were easily won by the Misses Roosevelt. The mixed doubles (which were handicap) were won by Miss Camilla Moss and Mr. C. E. Sands.

* * * * *

~The~ annual open Lawn Tennis tournament of the New York Tennis Club was held on their grounds at 147th Street, September 19th. The courts are considered by many to be the finest in the country. Mr. E. P. MacMullen won the gentlemen’s singles, and with Mr. C. Hobart as partner, the doubles also. Ladies’ singles and mixed doubles formed the other events. Mrs. Badgeley won the singles, and Mr. MacMullen and Miss V. Hobart the mixed doubles. The courts were in excellent condition. The playing was above that of last season, especially the final match between MacMullen and Hobart.

* * * * *

~One~ of the largest tennis tournaments of the season was given September 26th, on the grounds of the Highlands Country Club, about five miles from Washington. The winner, Mr. Mansfield, now holds the championship of the Southern States. Remarkably good tennis, fine weather, and a large and fashionable attendance were the features of the week. Space forbids giving the score in full; suffice it to say that Fred. Mansfield, of the Longwood Club, Boston, carried off the honors in the gentlemen’s singles by defeating D. Miller in the final round, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2. In the gentlemen’s doubles, Mansfield was again successful, and with his partner, F. V. Hoppin, easily defeated, in the final round, Davidson and Metcalf, 6-2, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.

* * * * *

~The~ Clifton Lawn Tennis Club held its annual tournament at Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, September 27th. As the tournament was open to all Staten Island clubs, the Ladies’ Out-Door Sporting Club and the Staten Island Athletic Club were well represented. Miss Austin won in the final round of the ladies’ singles, defeating Miss Gertrude Williams, 6-3, 1-6, 6-4, 6-1. E. W. Gould carried off the honors among the gentlemen by defeating J. B. Johnson in the final, 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 6-1. Very handsome prizes were given to the winners.

* * * * *

~Not~ long ago an association was formed comprising all the lawn tennis clubs on the Hudson River, from Yonkers to Albany. The name by which it was to be known was the Hudson River Lawn Tennis Association. The first tournament was held on the grounds of the “Far and Near,” at Hastings-on-the-Hudson, Sept. 25th, and proved, for a beginning, a great success. Mr. V. G. Hall, of the Edgwood Club, won the handsome silver pitcher, valued at $200, which will become his property by winning it twice. In the gentlemen’s doubles, V. G. Hall and his brother, E. L. Hall, were winners, defeating C. E. and R. C. Sands in the finals score, 6-4, 2-6, 3-6, 6-5, 6-3. Miss E. C. Roosevelt won the ladies’ singles, and with her sister Grace, the doubles also. The mixed doubles were won by Mr. C. E. Sands and Miss E. Roosevelt. In all probability, the next meeting, which is to take place some time in June, 1889, will be on the Newburgh courts.

QUOITS.

~A match~ was played at Montreal, September 22, for the championship of the Dominion, on the Montreal Quoiting Club’s grounds, and resulted in a victory for the home club over the Dominion Club by 65 points. The following are the teams, with the individual scores:

DOMINION CLUB. MONTREAL CLUB.

1. G. Fleet 23 A. McIntyre 31 2. J. Ganley 5 J. Graham 31 3. J. Briggs 10 J. J. Elliott 31 4. X. Desrochers 31 J. Williams 27 5. L. E. Farrar 26 G. Sibley 31 6. A. Tattersall 31 J. Leduc 12 7. M. Bannan 7 A. Lindsay 31 8. A. Weir 26 W. Renshaw 31 9. H. Oram 31 W. Ogilvie 20 10. R. Waugh 28 H. Trepannier 31 11. J. Cuthbert 31 A. Loiseau 15 12. W. J. Stewart 8 J. J. Adams 31 --- --- 257 322

ROWING.

~The~ Atalanta Boat Club held its fortieth annual regatta on the Harlem, September 15. It was also Ladies’ Day. The club-house at One Hundred and Fifty-third Street was crowded with guests. No time was kept of the different contests, which were very exciting. The following is the result of the races, and the names of the men who took part in them:

Junior single shells--Entries: George B. Weed, William D. Bourne, William C. Dilger, Edward W. Tanner and Alexander Woods. William D. Bourne won.

Senior single gigs, for gold medal given by Captain Theodore Van Raden; distance, one mile--Entries: Max Lau, William Lau, George R. Storms and Benjamin A. Jackson. Max Lau won.

Four-oared shells--Entries: No. 1, W. E. Cody, bow; S. B. Marks, P. B. Reyhmer, J. A. Garland, stroke. No. 2, W. C. Doscher, bow; A. G. Roemer, C. A. Hawley, W. Content, stroke. No. 3, E. J. Stewart, bow; D. Van Holland, W. Dittmar, Jr., H. A. McLean, stroke. No. 2 won.

Eight-oared barge race--Entries were, No. 1, married, William C. Dilger, bow; G. M. Young, William Dittmar, D. Van Holland, E. J. Cullen, H. M. Williams, T. McAdam, W. Dittmar, Jr., stroke, and H. Hazard, coxswain. No. 2, single, C. F. Beyer, bow; E. McCormack, F. H. S. Cooley, F. A. Merrill, W. J. Davenport, A. J. Wallace, S. A. Saffard, E. Fuchs, stroke, and H. Moody, coxswain. The race was a close, pretty and interesting one, and resulted in a victory for the married men.

Eight-oared shells--Entries: No. 1, F. McElroy, bow; E. J. Allen, E. D. McMurray, D. Brown, H. D. Clapp, W. B. Merrall, L. F. Roediger, B. A. Jackson, stroke; E. P. K. Coffin, coxswain. No. 2, W. H. Chandler, bow; T. G. Smith, E. J. Ranhoffer, I. D. Fairchild, F. Pullman, W. J. Winter, J. A. Miller, O. Fuchs, stroke; J. E. Silliman, coxswain. No. 3, C. Renner, bow; W. J. Hutchinson, E. R. Bunce, W. F. Mohr, G. R. Pasco, G. Radley, W. D. Stewart, E. H. Patterson, stroke, and E. J. Byrne, coxswain. This race differed from the others in that it was over a straightaway mile course. No. 1 won.

* * * * *

~The~ fourth annual regatta of the Nautilus Boat Club took place September 15. The course was from the Sea Beach dock, at Bay Ridge, toward the Atlantic Yacht Club basin. Distance, with a turn, about three-fourths of a mile.

The junior single-gig race, class A, with five entries, was rowed in two trial heats. Johnson won first heat--time, 5m. 24s. Olsen, second heat, 5m. 29s. The final heat was won by Olsen; time, 5m. 6s.

The junior single-gig race, class B. Nine entries. First trial heat won by W. Reid; time, 5m. 21s. Second trial heat, S. H. Ayres; time, 5m. 27s. Third trial heat, S. Manley; time, 5m. 44s. The final heat was won by Ayres in 5m. 24s.; Manley second.

The junior double-scull gig was won by Oswald and Peterson; time, 5m.

The senior double-scull gig was won by F. Olsen and M. Donally; time, 4m. 45s. Their only competitors, the two Hillmans, were only a half length behind at the finish.

The single-gig match, between W. A. Merrick and T. F. Crean, was won by the latter. Time, 5m. 41s.

Two crews entered for the junior four-oared gig race. The crew composed by W. Charnley, T. F. Crean, A. T. Morro and A. Ribas, with W. Whitner as coxswain, won by a boat’s length, in 4m. 5s.

The eight-oared barge race was won by Captain Donnelly’s crew, made up as follows: Fred Olsen, bow; J. O’Conner, second; J. D. Phillips, third; A. N. Peterson, fourth; S. Manley, fifth; M. W. Mullany, sixth; R. Hillmon, seventh; M. Donaly, stroke, and C. W. Parmlee, coxswain, were the winning crew by two boat-lengths; time, 4m. 54s.

* * * * *

~A popular~ subscription has been started by the Cornell Era to raise money to put an eight-oar crew on the water next season. A Cornell crew in the seventies showed all the college crews the way to victory.

SHOOTING.

~The~ annual contest for State trophies of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia took place at South Framingham, Sept. 25. The contests were open to teams of seven men each from each county, and the staff teams were five each. There were two prizes for staff officers, three for line officers, and three for enlisted men, besides the three team prizes. Two scores of seven shots each, contestants shooting in teams count that score and then shoot an additional one.

Staff Team Prize--Staff 2d Brigade, 1st, 136; Staff 5th Infantry, 2d, 136; Staff 1st Brigade, 3d, 135.

Staff Officers--Capt. J. B. Osborne, 1st Brigade, 60; Lieut. R. B. Edes, 5th Infantry, 60.

Line Officers--Lieut. E. B. C. Erickson, 5th Infantry, 61; Lieut. C. N. Edgell, 2d Infantry, 60; Capt. Williamson, 1st Infantry, 58.

Company Team Match--Compy. B, 2d Infantry, 200; Compy. C, 2d Cadets, 198; Compy. F, 2d Infantry, 194.

* * * * *

~The~ National Rifle Association of America held their annual meeting at Creedmoor in September. The attendance was smaller than last year--in fact, it seems to grow smaller every year. The shooting was, on the whole, good. Sergt. T. J. Dolan, 12th N. Y., made the fine score of 50 points at 200 and 500 yards, 5 shots at each range, making the possible 25 points at both, a feat that has never before been equaled on the range. Both his scores were made on the same day. Capt. Barnard Walther, of the renowned Zettler Club, of New York City, again carried off the first prize in the Tiffany Match, this being the second consecutive year he has won the cup. The Massachusetts State Team again won the Inter-state and Hilton trophies, being the third consecutive year that they have accomplished this. Major C. W. Hinman, of Boston, won the Governor’s Match at 50 yards. Sergt.-Major W. M. Merrill, of Boston, won the Wimbledon Cup at 1,000 yards. Sergt. Geo. Doyle, Corps of Engineers, U. S. A., won the President’s Match, which carries with it the title of Champion Military Rifle Shot of the U. S. A. for the coming year. Sergt. Fred. Wells, 22d N. Y., made the same number of points, but was outranked. Sergt. Wells won the first stage and prize of $20. The Zettler Rifle Club, of New York City, won the Short Range Team Match. The winners and matches were as follows:

Director’s Match (5 shots, 200 yards)--James Duane, 23.

Wimbledon Cup (30 shots, 1,000 yards)--Sergt. W. M. Merrill, 134; F. H. Holton, 125; W. F. Mayer, 117; I. F. McNevin, 116; C. H. Gaus, 103; T. J. Dolan, 79.

Judd Match (at 200 yards--two scores of five shots each to count for first five prizes. For remainder of prizes, one single score; each contestant to shoot six strings, three each day. Twenty-five prizes)--T. J. Dolan, 1st; T. G. Austen, 2d; D. H. Ogden, 3d; W. G. Hussey, 4th; W. C. Johnston, 5th. The first three prizes were won with the Remington 50 cal. rifle, which received two points allowance on ten shots.

The Long Range Military Match (10 shots at 800, 900 and 1,000 yards)--Jas. McNevins, 114; C. W. Hinman, 112; W. M. Merrill, 111; A. B. Van Heusen, 110.

President’s Match (first stage at 200 and 500 yards)--F. A. Wells, 1st, 67. The 22 men who won prizes in the first stage were eligible to shoot at 600 yards, 10 shots each, and the man making the highest total at 200, 500 and 600, won the prize of $25 and the title of Military Champion. Sergt. Doyle (total of both stages), 109; F. A. Wells, 109; T. J. Dolan, 107. T. J. Dolan was the winner last year.

Short Range Team Match (American standard target, 200 yards off-hand)--Zettler Rifle Club--B. Walther, 84; M. Dorrler, 83; L. Flack, 73; C. S. Zettler, 52--total, 292.

Second Regiment Team, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia--W. M. Farrow, 77; M. W. Bull, 70; S. S. Bumstead, 65; F. R. Bull, 59; allowance, 16--total, 287. This team used military rifles and received 4 points allowance per man.

Lynn Rifle Association, Lynn, Mass.--W. G. Hussey, 73; W. C. Johnston, 70; C. W. Hinman, 67; R. B. Eades, 55; allowance, 12--total, 277. All used military rifles except Hinman.

Nyack Rifle Club, Nyack, N. Y.--J. J. Sydecker, 64; G. McAucliffe, 59; D. Shakespear, 59; J. O. Davidson, 53--total, 245.

New York State National Guard Match--Regimental Team Match (at 200 and 500 yards)--23d Regiment Team, 1st, 521; 12th Regiment Team, 482; 7th, 495; 13th, 484; 22d, 451. 1st Brigade, National Guard Match--7th Regiment Team, 572; 12th, 485; 2d, 441. 2d Brigade--23d Regiment Team, 509; 13th, 457.

The Inter-State Match had only New York and Massachusetts State teams entered (12 men, 10 shots each, at 200 and 500 yards)--Massachusetts State Team, 1,047; New York State Team, 1,015.

Hilton Trophy--open to State teams and teams from the divisions of the regular army (7 shots each at 200, 500 and 600 yards, 12 men each team)--Massachusetts Team, 1,080; Division of the Atlantic Team, 1,057; New York Team, 1,057.

Governor’s Match (three scores to count at 500 yards each, shooter to shoot as many entries as he pleases)--Major C. W. Hinman, Boston, 1st; Capt. J. B. Osborn, Boston, 2d.

Tiffany Match (200 yards)--B. Walther, 1st; T. J. Dolan, 2d; W. M. Farrow, 3d.

Stewart Match (200 yards, standing, sitting or kneeling)--J. F. Klein, 1st; Geo. Doyle, 2d; W. M. Farrow, 3d; W. G. Hussey, 4th; C. L. Potter, 5th; J. S. Shepherd, 6th; C. H. Gaus, 7th; C. A. Jones, 8th; J. D. Foot, 9th.

All Comers and Marksman Badge (25 at 200 and 25 at 500)--T. J. Dolan, 1st.

Revolver Match--Ira A. Paine, 140; A. Brennor, 132; J. G. Newbury, 123; G. L. Garrigues, 122; W. E. Petty, 120; W. C. Johnston, Jr., 119; F. J. H. Merrill, 114; C. H. Gaus, 113; W. M. Merrill, 113; J. E. Winslow, 111. Among the noted visitors present during the week were Herr Josef Schuloff, the inventor of the magazine rifle and revolver, Col. Bodine, Col. Miller, Major Shorkley, and other well-known rifle-shots.

* * * * *

~The~ eighth annual tournament of the Western Rifle Association was held recently at Fort Snelling, Minn. It was successful as far as shooting is concerned. The following are the summaries:

THE CHICAGO MATCH (10 SHOTS).

200 YDS. 300 YDS. 600 YDS. TOTAL. E. W. Bird 45 43 48 136 C. Mandlin 46 47 43 136 C. W. Skinner 48 42 43 133

DEER HUNTER MATCH (10 SHOTS, AMERICAN FIELD TARGET).

100 YDS. 200 YDS. TOTAL. John Marshall 81 65 146 E. W. Bird 70 71 141

Pistol or Revolver Match (15 shots at 30 yards)--C. M. Skinner, 135; A. E. Chantler, 117; S. M. Tyrrell, 105.

Minneapolis Tribune Match (15 shots at 200, 500 and 600 yards)--C. W. Weeks, 275; John Marshall, 272.

Minneapolis Match (shot on new decimal target adopted by Minneapolis Rifle Club--15 shots at 500 and 600 yards)--E. W. Bird, gold badge, 225; A. F. Elliott, deer’s head, 224; John Marshall, silver card-tray, 216.

Police Revolver Match (50 yards, 20 shots each)--C. M. Skinner, 151; S. M. Tyrrell, 127; E. W. Bird, 126; A. S. Chantler, 118; C. W. Weeks, 117. This was shot on the American field target. C. Mandlin, of Minneapolis, won the Continuous Match at 200 yards off-hand.

* * * * *

~Mr. Fred. E. Bennett~, of Boston, the champion revolver shot of America, has been doing some fine shooting at 50 yards, using a 22 calibre pistol. In 100 consecutive shots he made the following fine totals: 97, 95, 90, 85, 89, 91, 93, 89, 86, 91--total, 906, out of a possible 1,000. Mr. Bennett has issued a challenge to shoot a revolver match with Ira Paine for $1,000 a side, either in France, England, or America.

* * * * *

~The~ experts at the National Armory, at Springfield, Mass., are trying a new ammunition with a view to the adoption of a small calibre rifle. The experiments made so far demonstrate that the Swiss rifle, which is of a small calibre (about .30), has a very flat trajectory at 500 yards, and is accurate; while the Springfield, or U. S. Government rifle has a very high trajectory. Further experiments will be made before anything definite is done.

* * * * *

~A new~ rifle club has been organized in Newark, N. J. Its officers are William Dennenger, president; F. Kraus, vice-president; William Doull, secretary; K. Kopf, treasurer; F. Siegman, sergeant-at-arms.

YACHTING.

~A dozen~ pretty cat-rigged yachts, manned by jolly crews from Brooklyn, Canarsie and Ruffle Bar, sailed a very exciting race on Jamaica Bay, Saturday, September 23. It was the second of the series inaugurated by the Windward Club of Ruffle Bar, and the result has decided that Mr. Hatch’s pretty Julita, built three years ago by Dick Wallin, of South Brooklyn, is the fastest boat in the first class, for she has won both races, and so takes the prize of the Windward Cup, offered by the club.

* * * * *

~The~ Yorkville Yacht Club had its twice postponed fall races September 23. There was a lack of wind in the forenoon. In the afternoon the yachts started from Oak Point against a light wind and with a strong flood tide. Both wind and tide were with them on the return. Classes A, B and C sailed around the gangway buoy and return, a distance of twenty miles. The other classes rounded the Stepping Stones Lighthouse, making fifteen miles. In class A, for cabin sloops more than 30 feet, D. McGlynn’s Emma and Alice was the only entry. She made the distance in 5 hours 15 minutes 15 seconds. Maud M., manned by Sergeant McManus and a crew of 14 men from Fort Schuyler, had a walk over in the class for cabin boats under 30 feet. Her time was 5 hours 18 minutes 45 seconds. She broke her spinnaker on the return. J. Thomson’s Bessie R. was the only catboat between 17 and 22 feet, and she sailed the 15 miles in 5 hours 3 minutes 30 seconds. The Jessie was successful in her class, and the Happy Thought won handily in the race for smaller catboats. The Peerless, the Jennie V., and the Helen did not finish.

* * * * *

~The~ Fall Regatta of the New York Yacht Club took place September 20. The day was all that could be desired by the most ardent yachtsman.

At 11h. 32m. the Blue Peter was lowered on the Electra’s foremast and the signal gun started the racers. Fannie, under mainsail and jib, with the wind on the starboard quarter, rushed for the line, with the Dauntless a little to windward and the Katrina almost bow and bow. As they darted past the flagship the Dauntless hauled a little closer by the wind and shot ahead of the other two yachts, the Katrina passing within a few feet of the Electra’s lee side. The three went over almost in line and made one of the handsomest marine pictures ever seen in New York harbor. The Dauntless held the lead for a short distance, but the Katrina soon forged ahead. After these three the Alarm came slowly by as stiff as a house, but a little faster. Then followed the Shamrock, with her baby jibtopsail in stops, which were broken as she crossed the line, and the Adelaide, heeling well to leeward. The Grayling, with every sail set and as full as a balloon, rushed across in her dashing style. The Wizard followed after her with a handicap of 3 minutes, and then the Magic, also handicapped 12m. 57s.

The yachts had a beat to the lightship and were forced to make a long and short leg to weather the buoys, which had to be passed on the port hand. The Katrina and Shamrock seemed to point about the same and were both pinched very closely. The former was the first to go on port tack, at 12h. 35m., followed by the Shamrock one minute after. The Grayling held to the starboard tack longer than either of the sloops and gained very much in so doing, for she rounded the Sandy Hook Lightship almost the same moment as the Shamrock. Following are the times:

H. M. S. Katrina 12 40 05 Shamrock 12 45 30 Grayling 12 45 35

In the run from the start to the lightship the Katrina gained 1m. 13s. on the Shamrock. That from the lightship to the stake boat was a reach by the wind on the port tack. When the yachts reached the Haviland the Katrina was still in the lead, though she had lost 45 seconds to the Shamrock, who had in turn gained 2 minutes on the Grayling. The Dauntless was leading the Fanny at this point, and the Adelaide the Wizard. At the stake-boat the following times were taken:

H. M. S. Katrina 1 26 40 Shamrock 1 32 60 Grayling 1 34 55

The yachts passed the Haviland on the port hand, easing off sheets and running again for the lightship with the wind on the starboard quarter. They rounded the lightship a second time as follows:

H. M. S. Katrina 2 10 05 Shamrock 2 15 08 Grayling 2 15 42

In this run the Katrina lost 22 seconds to the Shamrock, who gained 1 minute on the Grayling.

From Sandy Hook Lightship it was a run with the wind on the port beam to the finish. The sloops set their club topsails over working ones and made a fast run home. The Katrina held the lead to the end, but lost on time allowance. The wind was a steady wholesale breeze from the south-southwest, and remained so throughout the day.

The following is the elapsed and corrected time:

KEEL SCHOONERS.

Elapsed. Corr’d Start. Finish. Time. Time.

H. M. S. H. M. S. H. M. S. H. M. S.

Dauntless 11 34 14 3 22 24 3 48 10 3 48 10 Alarm 11 35 22 3 45 26 4 10 04 [*]

CLASS 3--SCHOONERS.

Grayling 11 40 55 3 10 35 3 29 40 3 29 40 Magic 11 42 00 3 42 03 4 02 03 3 59 22

CLASS 2--SLOOPS.

Shamrock 11 38 35 3 11 44 3 33 09 3 31 59 Katrina 11 34 23 3 08 13 3 33 50 3 33 50 Fanny 11 34 14 3 36 00 3 57 09 3 54 10

CLASS 4--SLOOPS.

Adelaide 11 40 06 3 55 38 4 15 32[*] Wizard 11 42 00 Did not finish.

[*] Not measured.

Thus in the keel schooner class the Dauntless beats the Alarm. In class 3 the Grayling beats the Magic 29m. 42s. and makes the quickest time over the course. In the second class sloops the Shamrock beats the Katrina 1m. 51s., and the Adelaide has a walk over in class 4, the Wizard having carried away her topmast.

* * * * *

~A new~ yacht club was recently organized in this city. It will be known as the Rockaway Yacht Club. The certificate of incorporation was signed Sept. 17.

* * * * *

~Can~ any of our readers inform us what has become of the following clubs, and what are their present addresses?

~Cycling~--Weston Wheelmen, Weston, Ohio; Worcester Bicycle Club, Worcester, Mass.; Wayside Wheelmen, Brooklyn, L. I.

~Canoe~--Mystic Canoe Club, Winchester, Conn.; Stillwater Canoe Club, Stillwater, Ohio.

~Rowing~--New England Amateur Rowing Association, Boston, Mass.; Long Island Amateur Rowing Association, Brooklyn.

~Shooting~--Memphis Gun Club, Shell Lake, Ark.; Jacksonville Gun Club, Jacksonville, Ky.; Frelinghuysen Rifle Club, New York City; Krutland Ionia Hunting Club, Grand Rapids, Mich.

~Yachting~--Bohemian Yacht Club, San Francisco, Cal.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

[This department of ~Outing~ is devoted to answers to correspondents seeking information on subjects appertaining to all sports.]

* * * * *

Yachtsman, Chesapeake Bay Y. C.--You cannot do better than have your boat furnished by Messrs. Warren, Ward & Co., 6 and 8 East 20th St., N. Y. City. Commodore Gerry had his steam yacht Electra fitted by this firm, and the results are admirable. The best refrigerator for a yacht is made by W. Law, 324 East 122d Street, City.

* * * * *

J. Dixon, New York City.--We are able to give you the information you require as to your proposed cycling trip from West Troy to Buffalo. (1) You would be allowed to ride on the tow-path of the canal. (2) The road is not good. (3) The distance is about 325 miles. (4) On the road you should average from forty to sixty miles, but on the tow-path you would not do more than about twenty-five miles a day. You would also have to dismount often on account of mule teams, etc. These animals have been known to jump into the canal at the sight of a bicycle, thereby causing trouble between canal boat men and cycler, much to the disadvantage of the latter. We should strongly advise you to take the main road, and follow the route in the New York Road Book. (5) As to your last question, we think that you had better use your own judgment.

* * * * *

Observer.--The best position in which to place a registering thermometer is over an open grass-plot. If this cannot be done, a wall may be used, care being taken that it is a garden-wall, and not the wall of a house; also that the screen in which the thermometer is placed hangs at some distance from the wall, so as to admit of the free passage of air behind it. In all cases the thermometer should be placed in a screen not less than four feet from the ground, and facing to the north (in the northern hemisphere) and sheltered from the sun at all hours, but exposed to a free circulation of the air.

* * * * *

Drag-Hunter, Boston, Mass.--The best drag for hounds is generally supposed to be a common red herring. Assafœtida is sometimes used, and also aniseed. Many people suppose, however, that the last is detrimental to hounds, but drag-hunting of any description will spoil a pack for fox, so that that question does not matter much.

* * * * *

T. G. F., Portland, Oregon.--Your description and sketch of the fish caught on a branch of the Columbia River, in Washington Territory, and which you supposed to be a “grayling,” was so imperfect that it was hard to give you an answer. We referred it to Dr. Tarleton H. Bean, of the Smithsonian Institution, one of the highest authorities on ichthyology in the country. It would have been a matter of great interest had the grayling been found in that region. It seems, however, that it is only another instance of the confusion which arises from local nomenclatures. Dr. Bean’s reply sets the matter at rest, and is so interesting that we publish it in full. He writes: “The sketch sent is intended to represent Williamson’s whitefish (Coregonus Williamsoni), which is called ‘grayling’ in some parts of the West. I do not know of the existence of a grayling west of Montana, until British America is reached. Williamson’s whitefish is common in the region west of the Rocky Mountains, particularly so in the Sierra Nevada, and is often styled ‘grayling.’”

* * * * *

B. J. W., Albany, N. Y.--Yes. An amateur athlete may compete with a professional, provided that it is a genuinely friendly contest, but not for money or prizes, or at a public meeting.

* * * * *

Scott, Montreal, Canada.--The best way to preserve gut leaders is to wrap them up in wash-leather, tightly bound with string. If they are in good condition, they will keep well like this for years.

* * * * *

J. S. M., East 56th Street, N. Y. City.--What you heard is quite true, although you appear to doubt it so much. The “King of Dudes,” Berry Wall, was at one time quite an athlete, and about seven or eight years ago was one of the fastest amateur walkers in the country. His record for a mile was 7m. 20s.

* * * * *

J. A. I., Phila.--E. Waters & Sons, of Troy, New York, are builders of paper boats. The name was incorrectly given in the September ~Outing~.

* * * * *

Duck Hunter, Charles City, Va.--You can obtain such rubber goods as you mention from the Hodgman Rubber Company, 459 and 461, Broadway, New York.

* * * * *

Jock, Dayton, Ohio.--The race called “The Oaks” is run on the Friday following Derby Day. It is for three-year-old fillies, and the distance is about a mile and a half, over the same course as the Derby. Both races were founded by the twelfth Earl of Derby--the first Oaks being run on May 14, 1779, and being named after his residence at Woodman Sterne, while the first Derby was run in the next year. The Derby course was at first a mile, but has since been altered.

* * * * *

Double Team, Albany, N. Y.--To the best of our knowledge there is no better treatment for thrush in horses than the old method of frequently dressing the affected feet with tar, spread on tow. This should be well thrust into the cleft of the frog. Carbolic acid is also used in the same way, while in severe cases, where lameness is occasioned, it becomes necessary to use poultices.

* * * * *

Pointer, Lynchburg, Va.--The question whether or not to remove a puppy’s dew-claws, is more a matter of fashion and opinion than anything else. As a matter of fact, the presence of dew-claws seems very seldom to lead to any inconvenience to a dog. There does not, however, seem to be any real objection to the removal of them, for the attachment is usually only ligamentous; or, if bone does exist, it is so slight that the operation of cutting them does not amount to anything.

* * * * *

Sportsman, Brooklyn.--President Cleveland’s bluefishing trip was not the first angling expedition he had made during his presidential career, for last year he went up to the Adirondacks for trout-fishing. It will be remembered that his predecessor, President Arthur, was also an enthusiastic angler.

* * * * *

Whip, Fifty-ninth Street, N. Y.--What you say is quite true as to the difficulty in procuring good, lasting gloves for rough work like driving. There is, however, a capital article for your purpose, or, indeed, for any purpose, manufactured by J. C. Hutchinson, Johnstown, N. Y. This maker’s gloves will, we think, give you satisfaction.

* * * * *

H. S. P., Newark, N. J.--If the horse has completely “broken down,” the fetlock joint will actually touch the ground. From your description this does not seem to be the case, and so the accident probably only amounts to a partial breakdown, due to the rupture of the flexor tendon and some of its ligamentous fibres. As to treatment, you had better consult a veterinary surgeon, but after the first severity of the inflammation has subsided, it is generally thought best to fire the leg.

* * * * *

Housewife, Baltimore, Md.--Truly your questions are hardly in ~Outing’s~ line, but we can answer them. It is very hard to beat that most reliable article, the Royal Baking Powder; you will see from the company’s advertisement what testimonials it receives from sources absolutely trustworthy. As to your second question, we cannot do better than refer you to the Quarterly published by Messrs. Strawbridge & Clothier, Eighth and Market Streets, Philadelphia. In this useful publication you will find on page 148 just the information you want.

* * * * *

Racquet, Toronto.--You are quite right in supposing that tennis proper, or court tennis, has seen much palmier days. It is said that in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries there were a couple of hundred courts in England, of which fourteen were in London, while Henry VIII. built one at Hampton Court Palace. No revival of this aristocratic game took place till this century. In 1838 one was built at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London. Now there are, we believe, three in London, one each at Oxford and Cambridge, while there are five other public or club courts in England, at Manchester, Brighton, Leamington, Crayley near Winchester, and Hampton Court. Besides these there are about as many private ones.

* * * * *

Capt. C., Minneapolis.--In England linseed oil is never used in hunting stables, except as a purgative, or, mixed with tobacco dust (about three-quarters of an ounce of the latter to three-quarters of a pint of the former) as a drench for worms. To hacks and harness horses linseed oil is sometimes given in small quantities to make their coats look better. The seed itself is given to hunters after a day’s work, either in the form of linseed tea (a substitute for oatmeal gruel), or when boiled to a jelly and mixed with a bran mash. About two pounds of linseed is the quantity for either preparation. Linseed jelly is often mixed with oats when it is desired to put flesh on horses in poor condition, or when getting them up for sale. It is a demulcent, and slightly laxative.

~Outing.~

~Vol. XIII.~ DECEMBER, 1888. ~No. 3.~

SPORT--PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.

BY ALEXANDER HUNTER.

It may be a pleasant task for the sporting antiquary or the historian of some future period to trace the rise and fall of shooting in the section where the Potomac bursts foaming through its narrow bed at the Great Falls to Point Lookout, where the wide, majestic river mixes its fresh waters with the brine of Chesapeake Bay. But retrospection only brings sadness and regret to the sportsman of to-day, who sees the finest shooting-ground for wild fowl on the American continent now denuded of its game, except in scantiest quantities.

Potomac in the Indian dialect signifies “The River of Swans.” A pleasure or health seeker as he passes down the bay en route to Old Point, or a tourist on a pilgrimage to Mount Vernon, admires from the steamer’s deck the fine scenery, the bold headlands, the sweeping curves of the shore, and the ever-shifting scenes of the beautiful river, but he will never catch a glimpse, in a lifetime’s travel, of the stately birds that were so plentiful that the river was named after them.

All the observant traveler now sees is the settling of, perhaps, a dozen broad-bills in the water, or the alighting of a solitary shuffler or mallard. He will learn with surprise that not many years back the steamer literally ploughed its way through vast flocks of ducks, who only took wing when the sharp prow was within a few yards of them, while every creek, stream and run that poured its waters into the river was alive with waterfowl of a dozen different species, scurrying to and fro, circling high into the air, or striking into their native element with an explosive splash. On a windy day the river was so black with them that the bosom of the deep seemed to have been changed into an undulating, many-hued meadow.

Across the river from Mount Vernon was one of the most famous ducking blinds on the Potomac. The steamboat passengers notice with curiosity what appears to be a small island directly in the centre of the river, which at this point is about two miles wide. It is a miniature Loch Leven Castle, and the ruins of a small stone edifice makes it a romantic picture in the varied panorama that unfolds as one passes down the “River of Swans.” Right across on the Maryland side is one of those old colonial brick houses that tell of days when his Majesty was “prayed for” by fox-hunting parsons, and where the King’s health was drunk before each toast by the cocked-hat gentry. The house, which stands on a high hill, and faces Mount Vernon across the river, is the manor-seat of the Chapmans, a family whose name is connected with every public enterprise or “high emprise” from the conversion of the colony of Maryland into a commonwealth.

General John Chapman was a great lover of both rod and gun, and some thirty years ago he conceived the idea of making comfort and sport go hand in hand. Having made his soundings, he kept his slaves steadily at work, during odd days and off hours, hauling rocks in flat-boats, and dumping them into the rolling river. He kept his own counsel, and his neighbors began to fear he was going crazy. At last his island was completed. Like the Old Point “Rip-Raps,” it arose sheer from the water, and was composed entirely of loose rock. Chapman Island, as it was called, had an area of about a quarter of an acre, and was shaped like a cigar--the smaller end gradually decreasing in height and breadth until the narrowing ledge disappeared in the water. At this point the decoys--rarely under a hundred, often double that number--were placed. At the large end of the island was the hunting-lodge, at a distance of about seventy-five yards. It was built low, but the walls were thick, and a coal stove kept it comfortable in the stormiest, coldest days. It is doubtful whether there ever was a blind in all America that surpassed in attractions this artificial island.

Ducks, as a general thing, when moving in great numbers, choose the middle of a river, and seeing a large flock (the decoys) floating near the point, they would invariably swirl aside and join them. At a time when the river was full of waterfowl, some idea may be had of the royal sport, without any terrible exposure and endurance; a warm fire, refreshments of all kinds within a minute’s walk, and the ducks raining down in a ceaseless stream from the sky--that was the very poetry of sporting.

In the fall and winter months General Chapman had his house filled with the men whose names are household words in America, and his oyster roasts, canvasback and terrapin stews were as widely known then as were the dinners of the great lobbyist and gourmand, Sam Ward, a quarter of a century afterwards.

From the traditions handed down, it is known that General Washington was an enthusiastic rider after hounds, and it was at one of the meets that he first met Mistress Betty Custis; but he never was a devotee of the gun. There are several letters written by him to his patron, Lord Fairfax, of Greenway Court, which are, or were a few years ago, in the possession of Mrs. Custis, of Williamsburg, Virginia. In them the young surveyor tells in glowing language of the fine runs he has had and the brushes he has taken.

Opportunity makes the right man; but for the Revolution, George Washington, of Mount Vernon, Virginia, would have been a hard-riding fox-hunter, a shrewd bargainer at a horse-trade, and a vestryman of the Pohick church.

Washington’s nearest neighbor was famous George Mason, whose statue adorns Capitol Square in Richmond, Va. He lived a few miles down the river at Gunston Hall, which, next to Greenway Court, was in its day the most celebrated hunting resort in Virginia, and was the scene of many a glorious meet long after girder, rafter and roof of Greenway Court had mouldered in the dust.

Gunston Hall of to-day is the same building as that of over a century ago. It was built for comfort and not for show, for the walls are very thick, making the rooms warm in winter and cool in summer. It was erected in 1739, and every brick was brought from England as ballast. The plantation originally comprised 5,000 acres, and was, without exception, the finest game preserve in the country. Colonel Mason was an ardent sportsman, and cherished and protected the game on his land. At his river front the wild celery grew in the greatest profusion. If those old walls of Gunston Hall could talk, what entrancing tales they could tell of men of iron mould and giant minds, and maidens “passing faire”! There is a porch around the ancient mansion, religiously preserved, though it is in the last stages of dilapidation, where on the south side of the hall Washington and Mason were wont to sit during the long summer evenings, their senses lulled by the fairy-like scene, their eyes ranging over the grand, circling sweep of the river, and their conversation freshened by many a decoction of pounded ice, fresh mint, and Jamaica brandy. By the way, there are comparatively few people who ever tasted a real Virginia mint julep. The decoction, hastily mixed and as hastily drunk, is called a julep. Bacchus, save the mark! It is as different from the royal mint julep as corn whisky from the imperial cognac. It does not take five minutes, an hour, or a day to properly brew this wonderful drink, but a year at the very least. Here is the way Colonel Bob Allen, of Curl’s Neck, on the James River, used to prepare the julep. In the early spring, gather the young and tender mint, have your demijohn three-quarters full of the best whisky, and into its mouth drop the mint, rolled into little balls, and well bruised--about a quarter of a peck, loosely heaped up, to each gallon of liquor. Next, enough loaf sugar is saturated in water to melt it, and sweeten the whisky ad lib. This fills the demijohn, which is then sealed tight, and kept for the future, being rarely opened for at least two years.

The preparation of the drink is simple, and yet artistic. First, a julep ought never to be mixed but in a silver flagon--there is such a thing as a “perfect accord.” The demijohn being opened, the fragrant liquor is poured into the mug, with a double handful of crushed ice--not pounded, but crushed until it is like hail or snow ice--(a stout towel and a few blows against a brick wall will accomplish this result); add a few sprigs of fresh mint, a few strawberries, a tablespoonful of Jamaica rum, and you will have an elixir worthy of Jove to drink and Ganymede to bear.

But the swans from whom the Potomac takes its name, what of them?

In my boyhood I have often heard the septuagenarians and octogenarians of the lowlands speak of the vast migratory flocks of swans and geese that would whiten the river for miles. So many were they that in the spring-time, when the imprisoned frost was released from the ground and the surface of the earth became soft, vast numbers would swoop upon the fields of winter-wheat, and ruin the crop in a single day. It was a common thing for the farmers to employ every supernumerary on the place to guard the young and tender wheat.

But when the steamboat appeared on the scene, both swan and wild geese vanished, never to return.

Memory carries me back to my old ancestral home on the Virginia side of the Potomac, directly opposite the Washington Navy Yard.

In those days, a planter was an epicure by blood, a gourmand by breeding, and as long as his digestion remained unimpaired he could revel in the best of living on the choicest viands; and were he a devotee of the gun, he could amuse himself by killing a variety of game in such quantities that satiety would be apt to ensue.

Yes, the noble river furnished an unfailing supply of succulent food to the dwellers on its banks. The number of fish that swam in the clear waters of the Potomac would seem incredible in these times of purse-ponds and gill-nets. Our overseer used to devote one week in the spring to hauling a small seine, and would catch an abundance of fish to last the plantation the ensuing year, and there were enough herrings salted in barrels, and smoked shad in kits, to half fill our huge cellar that ran underground the whole length of the house. Fresh fish was on every table of the plantation nine months out of the year as a matter of course. The troll lines, set a short distance from the shore, yielded a steady supply of catfish, eels, perch, tobacco-boxes and fresh-water terrapin, or “tarrapin,” as they are called--a luxury only second to their cousin the “diamond-back.” As for the ducks and geese that made their home during winter on the flats between Washington and Alexandria, their number was simply astounding. I have hunted in the last decade from Havre de Grace to Tampa Bay, but never have seen such apparently limitless numbers of ducks as circled in the very sight of the Capitol’s dome some thirty years ago.

The channel was on the Maryland side. It varied from one hundred to one hundred and fifty yards across. For a mile and a half the water was rarely over two feet on the flats at low tide, and not over a fathom at the high-water mark. On these shallow bottoms there grew in the greatest luxuriance a peculiar quality of indigenous plant, called celery-grass, which wild fowl preferred to any other food. About the middle of November the birds began to congregate in such huge flocks that on a clear morning, when suddenly disturbed they took to wing, they made a noise like rolling thunder.

There were sportsmen, of course, at that time in the two cities of Washington and Alexandria, but they confined themselves to the laziest mode of shooting, and followed the creeks and streams that bordered or led into the river. Here the wild fowl afforded fine sport, with but little hardship.

As a general rule, the family on the plantation soon became tired of eating wild ducks; even the incomparable canvas-back palls at length upon the palate, as much as the partridges that are devoured on a wager, one each day for a month. The products of the poultry yard in the end were always preferred to the spoils of the river. Frequently, when company were coming to dinner, it was desirable to have a plentiful supply of game on the table; so my aunt, a famous housewife, would call up Sandy, who, being lame in one leg, was the general utility man of the plantation, one who could turn his hand to anything except regular labor, which he hated as a galley slave his oar, or as much as Rip Van Winkle did to earn an honest living. Sandy resembled Rip in more ways than one, though, fortunately for him, he had no sable Gretchen.

“Take Brother Bush’s gun, Sandy,” my aunt would say, “and go down and bring me some ducks.”

“How many does you want, Miss Jane?”

A mental calculation, and the number was given; then Sandy hobbled off with a matter-of-fact air, as if he were merely bound to the barnyard to slaughter half a dozen chickens. It was just as easy an undertaking, and one infinitely more to his taste. Calling one of the house-boys, he would go with him to the shore, a couple of hundred yards or so distant. Then the couple would walk in single file for some large tree bordering the river. The ducks feeding on the wild celery close to the shore would on their approach swim lazily from the banks out of gun-shot. Sandy would take his position behind the trunk of the tree and lie close. His companion would leisurely walk back to the house. The wild fowl, seeing the cause of their alarm disappear, would slowly circle back, and Sandy, waiting till they were well bunched, would let go both barrels; then, denuding himself of his breeches, he would wade in and bring out his game. The ducks never seemed to “catch on” to this dodge, and Sandy rarely failed to fill his orders, as the drummers say, “with promptness and dispatch.”

There was only one pot-hunter in the neighborhood of Washington thirty years ago--an old, grizzled, weather-beaten man, named Jerry, who anchored his little schooner in a snug cove on our shore every winter, and such was the unfailing supply of wild ducks that Jerry was rarely forced to up-anchor, set his sails and speed farther down the river. Old Jerry was assisted by his son, young Jerry, a chip of the old block. Every Saturday these two would put their game in canvas bags and carry them to their regular customers in Washington.

I became a fast friend of these two pot-hunters, as much, indeed, as a boy of twelve years could with matured men. I suppose I imbibed from them that overmastering love of sport that has made me a wanderer for a score of years. I was of practical use to them; the sentiment and the benefits were all on my side, for I made the gardener give them regular rations of turnips and cabbages. In return, I was allowed the run of their cabin, a little cuddy at which the meanest, poorest slave on the plantation would have turned up his nose.

Jerry was one of the few pot-hunters who possessed a swivel--a monster ducking gun, with a solid, uncouth stock, fastened to a barrel some ten or twelve feet long, with a bore as large as an old twelve-pounder Napoleon. This “thunderer” was loaded with twenty or twenty-five drachms of powder, and between thirty and forty ounces of shot.

Old Jerry would be in his skiff at the earliest dawn of day, and would cruise from Washington to Alexandria, closely followed by his son and heir, some hundred yards in the rear.

As soon as old Jerry saw a closely bunched flock of ducks, he would lie flat in the bottom of the skiff, and take his creeping paddles, which were about two feet long, two inches wide by a quarter of an inch thick, made of the best hickory, and painted a neutral color. With his arms hanging over the sides of his skiff, and a paddle in each hand, he could make his way evenly along, hardly raising a ripple. As he would approach closer the ducks would get more and more restless, swimming backward and forward, and gazing with alarm at what seemed a log with a queer, indescribable motion on each side. At last, when the woolen cap of a man could be seen, and underneath it the glittering eyes could be detected, then it was that the flock would rise from the water and take wing. That was the moment old Jerry was waiting for, with the stock resting against his shoulder, which was protected by a bag or pillow stuffed tight with feathers to break the recoil, and his eye ranging along the black barrel just as an artilleryman sights his piece before giving the word. A quick jerk of the trigger, the click of the flint striking the pan, the flash of the priming powder, then the deafening roar of the swivel, followed by a flash of flame, an encircling volume of smoke, the swirl of the water as the skiff was rocked by the kicking gun, and the deed was done. Old Jerry would rise up, grasp his double paddle, and make for the shore to reload, while the younger Jerry would come up in hot haste to pick up the dead, and dispatch with his double-barrel the crippled ducks.

Many a day have I played truant, and half the darkies on the plantation would be searching for me, while I, in the seventh heaven of delight, was with Jerry in his skiff following up the diving ducks whose wings were broken. I had a little single barrel that would make the water splash, and that was about all.

It was my one thought by day and dream by night to possess a gun big enough to kill the ducks at a fair distance--not a swivel by any manner of means--I had not the slightest desire to be behind that huge piece of ordnance when it went off. I wanted one that could strike a flock at eighty and a hundred yards. I never divulged my thoughts at home. I was that unfortunate “ne’er do weel,” known as the only son, and such an intimation would have raised hysterics at the female end of the house, and something worse at the male end of the mansion, for my paternal ancestor was a retired officer of the navy, and when he was excited his speech savored of the forecastle more than the cabin, and his actions became alarming.

A kind fate threw into my hands just such a weapon as my soul longed for, and I look back to it now with the same affection that a man of many affaires de cœur recalls the memory of his first love.

To make a long, rambling story short, my father bought, as a curiosity, a long Dutch ducking gun, that was intended to be fired from the shoulder by a man of stalwart build. Loading it carefully, the captain told the overseer, named Robinson, to fire it. This individual was a tall, ungainly lopsided man, who got sideways over the ground like a crab. He had a slatternly wife, with the most vivid, burning red hair I ever saw, and a large, callow brood of vividly headed children.

I suppose Robinson fired the gun, for it was brought back by his eldest hope, who said something about “Dad’s laid up; somethin’ or nuther kicked him;” but no attention was paid to what he said.

My father, accompanied by his youthful likeness, set out to try the gun himself. He made me fasten a piece of paper to the side of the ice-house, and then raised the long weapon slowly until he caught sight, and then pulled. I saw him spin around from the force of the blow, and utter the most blood-curdling curses against the gun, and next seizing the harmless piece and striking it against a tree, he broke the stock short off, then throwing the barrel down, he walked wrathfully away. I picked up the pieces tenderly, and carried them to Uncle Peter, the plantation carpenter, and told him I would give him a quart of that liquor he most loved in the world if he would patch it up. Uncle Peter agreed, if I would pledge myself to keep his share in the affair secret. Of course I promised.

What with braces, screws, clamps, rivets, the old piece was reconstructed, and I was as proud of it as a girl of her first long dress, or a spinster with a beau. It was about eight feet long, with a bore about the size of a Queen Anne musketoon. The barrel was slightly curved outside. The trigger was hard to pull, but the springs were good, and every time the flint fell a handful of sparks would be generated.

But, shades of Vulcan, how that ancient gun did kick! No vicious army mule, no bucking broncho, no Five Points billy-goat ever were productive of more sudden shocks. While the recoil was not so great as that of the famous gun that left the load stationary while it lodged the man who fired it in the fork of the tree two hundred yards in the rear, yet, like a champion pugilist, it sent every one to grass who tackled it. Uncle Peter was laid out. Sandy, steadying himself with his crutch planted firmly in the ground--a human tripod--was spun around and hurled to mother earth, as Hercules threw Antæus. Jack, the giant of the plantation, who led the cradlers in the harvest field, and pulled one end of the seine against six on the other side, tackled that weapon, and he, too, for the first time in his life, was vanquished. Though this piece could not quite rival the matchlock that belonged to Artemus Ward’s grandfather, which would not only knock the shootist over, but club him when he was down, still it put every man who fired it on the invalid list for the balance of the day.

I would not have put that gun against my shoulder and pulled the trigger for a month’s holiday. Uncle Peter, however, did the trick, and fixed the gun so that it was as harmless as a copperhead with its fangs drawn. He got the blacksmith to rivet a couple of iron rings close to the muzzle and another on the breech just above the pan. Next, he put a massive staple in the prow of the skiff, and another and a smaller one on the front seat; a chain with a catch passed through staple and ring, and held everything tight. When the gun was fired the staples received the shock, and no kicking could loosen them.

Uncle Peter finished the job Saturday night, and Sunday morning a mysterious message came from the overseer’s son, Sam, that he was waiting to see me in the shuck-house. I no sooner laid my eyes on him than I knew his mind was full of something.

“Well, Sam, what is it?”

“Mister”--Sam called every white man and boy mister--“I done hearn pop say as you were a-goin’ to use that air big gun.”

“Yes, I am; but you keep your mouth shut about it. You hear, Sam?”

“I ain’t a-goin’ to tell, but you’d better leave her alone.”

“Why?”

“Cause it’ll kick yer liver lights out, that’s why.”

“How do you know?”

“Ef you cross yer heart, an’ say, ‘I hope I may die,’ I tell yer.”

This mystic process having been complied with, Sam commenced:

“One evenin’ I slipped home from the brickyard, an’ thar warn’t anybody at home ’cept the child’en. Pop was gone to market, an’ tuk mam wid him. I seed the big gun sittin’ in the corner, but pop had tole me that ef I ever tortched it he’d knock thunder outen me. So I dassent handle it. Jest then a big hawk lighted on the barn, an’ I jest grabbed the gun, meanin’ to shoot that bird, thrashin’ or no thrashin’. I crept behind the corn-house, an’ run the muzzle through the logs, an’ I tuck aim at the hawk that was watchin’ fer a chicken. I tried to draw back the hammer to a full cock, when the hammer slipped, and it went off. At first I thought that something had busted, then that Mose, the brindled bull, had butt me, or that Toby, the old blind mule, had kicked me, an’ I commenced a hollerin’, an’ jus’ then, by gum! pop an’ mam druv up, an’ mam thought as how I was killed, an’--” Here Sam stopped to take breath.

“Well, Sam, what did your father do? Did he scream, too?”

“Scream!” answered Sam; “pop ain’t that kind. No, he picked up the big gun with one hand, an’ tuk hole on me with the other, an’ dragged me home, me a-kickin’ an’ a-tryin’ to break away all the time, an’ then he got that cowhide that hangs over the chimbly, an’ almost tanned the hide offen me. But you jus’ see where that big gun kicked me,” and Sam opened his shirt and showed me his narrow pigeon-chest that was bruised black and blue.

“Now I mus’ be goin’, mister. You mine me, don’t you tortch that air big gun; as sure as yer do she’ll knock yer cold.”

Sam’s tale frightened me, and I pulled the trigger, with my heart in my mouth, the first time; but Uncle Peter had done his work well, and if it kicked I never felt it.

I remember through this long vista of years the ecstatic pleasure of creeping up to a huge flock early one morning, and the thumping of my heart that beat like a trip-hammer against the bottom of the skiff--for I was lying close, and using the creeping paddles. At last, at last! and as the flock cleared the water I let drive, and was rather astonished to find myself safe and afloat.

So in the Old Dominion the fox-hunter followed his hounds, and took timber as it came. The partridge-hunter discharged his right and left shots in the stubble. One fine morning in April, 1861, they awoke from their easy-going, rollicking existence, and dropping the shotgun and sporting rifle, grasped instead the sabre, the lanyard, the sword, or the musket.

To be continued.

PICKEREL SHOOTING ON THE MARSHES.

BY O. W. HARD.

One winter, more than a score of years ago--a winter ever memorable for its extreme cold and great depth of snow--I changed my residence to near the head of Shelburne Pond, one of the most beautiful sheets of water in Northern Vermont. The pond is, for the most part, skirted by low marshes, fringed with alders, pussy and red willows, but here and there a bold promontory projects into the water.

All my life I had been a keen fisherman, and from my youth up I had, in one form or another, pursued the finny denizens of the waters. I had lured the slippery, wriggling eel and festive bullpout from many a deep hole in the Little Otter, snatched the shy minnow from some sheltered cove, and landed the shiner and horndace from some still pool, panting on the sandy shore. I had trolled for pickerel on the lake, and seen them taken by the score in a seine, had even caught one through the ice; but of the modern method of annihilation--shooting--I was ignorant. All through the winter I listened to the stories told by old fishermen of wonderful shots, and of the number, ranging from one to five, killed at a single shot. I dreamed of pickerel, and my mouth watered in expectancy as I fancied I detected a fish-like smell arising from the pan. Having provided myself with a fowling-piece and a goodly store of ammunition, I waited patiently for the first signs of milder weather to appear on the southern swale. The phœbe and redbreast, the first harbingers of spring, were beginning to trill their morning carols, but spring still lingered in the lap of winter. At length, under the genial action of the sun, now high in the heavens, the snow began to fade slowly and almost imperceptibly away, and patches of brown sward to appear on the hillsides.

One warm afternoon toward the middle of April, when not a cloud flecked the sky, nor a breeze rippled the miniature sea, I sallied forth to try my luck among the finny drove. I soon reached the edge of the north marsh, and saw that the water was literally alive with fish, darting hither and thither through the turbid flood, and leaving shining wakes in the water. But a sluggish brook, now swollen beyond its capacity with banks overflowed, presented an effectual barrier between me and the pickerel. Not to be baffled, however, by a little water, I commenced wading through bog and fen till I reached a fence, on which I crossed the brook, and went splashing and floundering through a swamp, and finally reached a very small spot of dry land.

Here I was among myriads of shovel-nosed fellows, facing me, perfectly motionless in the water, like a ship riding at anchor, or darting from under my very feet into the channel of the stream. Wading out into the shallow flood, I spied a big fish parting the water with his dorsal and caudal fins, and swimming slowly from me. I took aim and blazed away. To my utter astonishment, instead of one, five speckle-sided, white-bellied pickerel floated up. If I had been excited before, I was more so now--I had drawn blood.

Quickly ramming a charge into my gun, I was up and at them again, and soon had a string that did credit to a tyro, and would have done any old fisherman’s heart good to behold. I kept up a continual fusillade among them until the blackbirds, perched on the alders and among the branches of the gray ashes, began to ring their evening curfew. Then, slinging the slimy string over my shoulder, I wended my way homeward, with the pleasing thought in my mind that, if I was wet, the traditional fisherman’s luck was not wholly mine.

According to Lesueur, the common pike of our inland waters, the long or shovel-nosed pickerel (Esox reticulatus), attains a length of one to three feet; the body is green above and golden yellow on the sides, with dark, irregular, longitudinal lines, which unite in imperfect reticulations; flesh-colored on the throat, lower parts white; beneath the eye a black vertical band; caudal and dorsal fins greenish black, while the others are flesh-colored. It is a very rapid swimmer, voracious and strong; it remains apparently motionless in the water, awaiting an opportunity to dart upon its prey, consisting of anything it can swallow excepting the perch. While the body is suspended there is an incessant motion of the last few rays of the dorsal and anal fins, with a rotatory movement of the pectoral and, occasionally, of the ventral and caudal. Such an exact equilibrium do these forces maintain that the fish does not move in the water. This recalls what I said before about the fish lying at anchor. He is the shark of fresh waters, and sometimes attains a weight of thirty pounds, though the common size is two to five pounds.

For shooting in shallow water, small shot are, perhaps, as good as anything, but in deep water buckshot or ball are the best. Any one at all familiar with pickerel shooting has noticed that many fish captured in this way show no marks; they are simply stunned or killed by concussion. The pickerel spawns in the early spring, for that purpose ascending narrow brooks, creeks and ditches as soon as the ice is clear. The shooting season generally lasts from one to two weeks, or as long as the fish run. While the ice remains firm in the ponds there is always good sport, but when that disappears and the frogs, with throats cleared of frost, set up their nightly croaking, it is ended.

During the last two decades there has been such a renaissance of sport, so to speak, among the American people, both in forest and on stream, that what was once regarded merely as the pastime of the idle and wealthy is now recognized as suitable even for the pillars of the church and state. Every class seeks relaxation from business cares and worries in outings with rod and gun. Whatever may be the cause of this change, the fact remains that sporting has been reduced to almost an exact science. The effects of this are very palpable; for instance, pickerel shooting to-day is not what it was twenty, or even ten years ago. True, we have a law which forbids catching them through the ice, or shooting them, yet no attention is paid to it, except to impose an occasional fine on fishermen using nets in the lake. In direct violation of this law, great numbers are taken through the ice, and very many shot, and were they not wonderfully prolific, the species would soon become extinct. Whereas a few years since only a few sportsmen shot fish, now every one that can lay his hands on a gun or muster a spear makes a wholesale business of it during the season.

The best sport is obtained when, after a heavy fall, the snow melts with a rush, so as completely to cover the marshes. On a certain Good Friday I remember shooting fish at the base of a cobble, where a Canadian named Isaac was chopping wood. Now Isaac had a sense of humor, and thought to spoil our fun. He was half blind, but he told us if we shot a fish “we’d have to be darned slide about it.” We rolled them up right under his nose, however, and he was apparently none the wiser. I have enjoyed many a day’s outing with the pickerel, but none that would quite compare in zest and novelty with the day when I made my first shot.

THE DETROIT ATHLETIC CLUB.

BY JOHN A. RUSSELL.

The city of Detroit has had, within the past fifteen years, a variety of experiences with outdoor sports. It is nearly that length of time since the enthusiasm for boating was aroused, which spread over the adjacent territory and culminated in bringing out amateur boating crews of such national fame as the Hillsdales and the Sho-wae-cae-mettes. That enthusiasm was intense while it lasted. Every schoolboy, and many of larger growth for that matter, who could command the wherewith to buy or hire a boat, was out on the river, practising the characteristic strokes of Terwilliger or the Nadeaus.

Amateur boating clubs were organized in great profusion, and their boat-houses lined docks and slips in such numbers that the visitor to Detroit was amazed, and even the native could hardly account for the enthusiasm that could support them. Physicians who had patients of sedentary habits had a general prescription of “Take a little spin on the river in the evening,” which was administered quantum suff. Even the ladies were interested in the sport. It was no uncommon sight to see big barges industriously propelled by young girls and maidens grown, with here and there a more elderly person, who, with advancing years, had not forgotten the long sweep or the feathering motion of the oar.

The organization of a baseball club and its admission to the National League diverted some of the enthusiasm which had been given to boating, and the city became “ball-crazy” at once. The paroxysms became more marked every time the team won a substantial victory. Interest increased in the work of the professional club. Good hands began to look after its financial affairs, its positions were well supported, while the small boy and the devotee of physical culture took to ball-playing in summer, in preference to rowing, with a dash of gymnasium work in the winter in which boxing and sparring were the leading features. Getzein, Brouthers and the “good Deacon” White were put up as the idols to be worshipped in the places whence Durell, Dusseau, Van Valkenburgh and the other famous oarsmen of Monroe, Ecorse and Hillsdale had fallen. Even those who were not active, working devotees of the national game were found quite equal to taking their exercise by proxy on the cushioned seats of the grandstand, or in the more exposed positions of the “bleaching-boards.”

Boating had its day. The fast oarsmen dropped back into semi-obscurity. The Montie Brothers, of Ecorse, who were in the famous Wah-wah-tah-see Club, returned to their avocations, as did Schweikart and Alder, of the Centennial Four of Detroit, while their associates, Parker and McMahon, developed into professional athletes and instructors. Only one of the old clubs--the Detroit--retains its organization and equipment in anything like the style in which they were maintained during the prevalence of the aquatic fever. Many of the oarsmen, having grown older, have taken to yachting as a pastime. For this there are unlimited facilities on the Detroit River and in the lakes above and below the city. There is not nearly as much exertion and training required for a yachting expedition as for a mile-and-a-half straightaway, and yet there is quite as much judgment called into play in handling sheets and tiller, with immeasurably more real sport.

Baseball, while it has palled somewhat, seems to have encouraged the taste for individual exertion. Up to a very recent period that taste was inclined to the pastime from which it came--baseball. No great interest was taken in general athletics by the majority until about a year ago. Prior to that time an organization for the promotion of general athletics had existed in the Detroit Amateur Athletic Association. Its membership, however, was small, and though its ambitions may have been great, its achievements were few, one alone excepted; that being its expansion into the present Detroit Athletic Club, and its fitting up of gymnasia and grounds. The Amateur Athletic Association was very like good King William IV. in that “nothing, perhaps, in life so became it like the leaving of it.” It merged itself into the movement for the new club, of which it was the precursor, and its members the founders and boomers until there was no further need of booming; for the present club is a pretty healthy infant. Its birth occurred at a time when its existence was most needed, and just after the period when boating had lost favor, and the ambitious athletes had learned that baseball had not all that could satisfy the utmost desires of the athletic spirit. It had a manifest advantage in being able to offer a greater diversity of sports than boating and baseball, which, after all, are two very limited sections of the general field of athletics.

The new association came into existence a year and a half ago. It is not in its organization like the Montreal Association, described by Mr. Whyte in ~Outing~ for April, a federation of the athletic clubs of the city, but is a distinctive and independent club, with its own equipment and government. It was formed as a joint-stock corporation, with five hundred shares of the nominal value of $10.00. The demand for these became so great that a premium was soon obtainable for certificates of membership, their value going up until they are now held at $50.00 per share. The receipts from the sale of stock gave the young club a strong treasury from the start. The grounds of the old Athletic Association were secured on a long lease. They are on Woodward Avenue, in the heart of the finest residential portion of the city, and the plot is, perhaps, the largest piece of desirable property now unoccupied in the city; it contains something over 300,000 square feet, the land being, in round figures, 400 by 800 feet in dimensions. The six acres thus afforded have a value of nearly $200,000. They are readily accessible from both the business and residential quarters, and face two leading streets.

This property secured, steps were at once taken to erect a building suited to the needs of the club. There were some buildings on the tract barely fit for temporary quarters. In these the club housed itself until the present structure (see illustration, p. 212) was completed and opened last March. The house has a frontage of 107 feet and an extreme depth of 68 feet. It is of pressed brick with brownstone and terra-cotta ornaments, and possesses in its design much of the spirit of the newer styles of construction seen in English library and gymnasium buildings. Its space is well allotted. The entrance-hall is also a reception-room, with a cheery grate in pressed-brick designs. An ornamental staircase leads to the upper floor. The lower floor, besides containing the reception-room, has on it a ladies’ parlor and toilet-room, offices for the directors and stewards, a billiard-room, reading-room, the baths, and a locker-room. A wing on a lower level contains the bowling-alleys, while the upper floor is devoted to the gymnasium, the only reserved space being used for a small refreshment-room. Saved room under staircases is utilized for closets and chests, and there is not an inch of waste space in the house. The kitchen and accommodations for servants of the club are under the roof, in the attic story.

The various departments of the club-house are complete in their appointments. The reception-hall is a roomy apartment, finished in hard wood, which opens into the directors’ room and the reading-room on the one side, and a billiard-parlor and the bowling-alley on the other. The directors’ room is the headquarters of the caretakers and the office of the club. The reading-room is spacious, a big table and easy, antique oak chairs forming the furnishings, the walls being decorated with sketches of other club-houses and a series of photographic reproductions of the disc-throwers of the ancient Roman period. The mental pabulum furnished is of the class one would most naturally expect to find amid such associations--the leading journals and magazines devoted to athletics, the daily papers of the city, and the literary magazines. The billiard-parlor contains three Schulenberg tables, oak-finished, with furniture harmonizing with the club-house furnishings. It has already shown itself to be rather too small for the demands likely to be made upon it, but the house has been so designed that a wing may be extended without marring the harmony. Wrought-iron designs in gas-fixtures complete the furnishings of this part of the house.

Just beyond the reading-room, and disconnected from it, are the bath and locker rooms. A separate entrance to them is afforded from the grounds, while they are also connected by a private staircase with the gymnasium overhead. The lockers, in number about 300, are arranged in “L” fashion, the spaces between each set of six affording the privacy desirable for dressing-rooms.

The bath-room caused much marvel in these parts. It is 30 by 16 feet in size. The centre of marble-paved floor is occupied by the plunge-bath, 20 feet long and 12 feet wide. Its sides are lined with white enameled bricks, and a constant flow of water is secured from the city service-pipes. It varies in depth from three to five feet. At one end of the bath-room four marble-fitted shower-baths are located, and close by, an equal number of foot-baths.

Just beyond the bath and reading rooms, on the side of the house facing the grounds, and so depressed as to give a clay bottom for the structure, is the wing which contains the bowling-alleys. These are six in number, of the regulation length of 65 feet, and 42 inches wide. They are admirably equipped; the entire work, as well as that of the gymnasium above, having been executed by the Narragansett, R. I., Machine Company. A gallery for spectators is located behind the dead-line, above the level of the alleys.

The entire upper story, aside from that portion given to the lunch-room and staircase landings, is given up to the gymnasium. This, of course, is the feature of the clubhouse. It is a well-lighted, lofty hall, 76 by 32 feet, there being fifteen feet available in height from the hardwood floor to the open-timbered roof. The apparatus, being all new, is of the latest designs. The weight and pulley system of machines is used in every conceivable form for developing the muscles of the arms, chest, legs, neck, shoulders and the grip. Hand-over-hand climbing is afforded by ropeladders, poles, and hemp ropes suspended from the roof-timbers. Vaulting facilities appear in horses and frames, and a system of parallel and horizontal bars is provided with the necessary mattings to prevent injury. Besides these more elaborate pieces of machinery there are bells and Indian clubs innumerable for the classes in calisthenics, and gloves and foils for the devotees of the manly art and the gentleman’s sport. This practically completes the list of indoor sports.

For outdoor exercise the club has admirable facilities. The big tract of ground which the club controls has very little, comparatively, of its area taken up by the club-house, and one standing on the big second-floor balcony which extends over the billiard-room on the lower floor, will notice that the turf that stretches in front of him for a furlong is cut up for a diversity of uses. The running track is the most noticeable feature. It is a quarter of a mile from start to finish, was laid out by the noted trainer of the Brooklyn Club, Jack McMaster, and was built from his designs. It is 16 feet in width at all points except on the finishing stretch and the 220-yards straightaway. This latter takes in the south side of the quarter-mile track as far as it goes and has a width of twenty feet. The track was laid last spring, is cinder-packed to the depth of a foot and has a clay foundation, all of which will combine to make it an ideal running-course in time. There was some disappointment with it at first, as it was feared it would be a trifle slow, but the rains and rolling have eliminated its spongy qualities and made it perfect, so that fast time can be expected upon it.

Within the circle formed by the track the two baseball diamonds are laid out. To the north of the track, and in shelter, are the tennis courts, four of them being “skin” courts, the rest, half a dozen, being the turf courts which are not so much in favor. The field is a fine one for cricket and football, both of which games are cultivated. Far down in the extreme corner there looms up during the summer a skeleton-like structure, which unjoints itself with the advent of winter, and forms a toboggan slide with an incline and a slide over an eighth of a mile long. Another corner is devoted in winter to a curling rink, where the royal Scotch game is played by its admirers with the greatest zest. The Detroit Curling Club has many members in the athletic club, and for their benefit a rink was set apart for the jolly Scotchmen and their besoms and curling-stones last winter. So pronounced was the success of the experiment that it will probably be repeated this coming winter.

The readers of ~Outing~ will not be amazed, then, to know that with such facilities, the club’s membership kept growing as fast as applications could be investigated and applicants admitted. The personnel of the management was drawn from the young-man class of active workers. The president, Frank W. Eddy, had been the originator of the more modest Amateur Athletic Association, as he was of its successor, the present organization; and to him and half a dozen close associates the major part of the success of the club is attributable. Mr. Eddy was also one of the promoters of the movement for the Amateur Athletic Union of the United States, of which he is vice-president and one of the strongest backers. The first meeting of the union took place in the grounds of the Detroit Club in September. Mr. Eddy’s work was supplemented by that of a faithful set of directors, and between them they have managed to run the membership pretty close up to its permanent limit of five hundred.

It must not, however, be for a moment believed that all these, or even a liberal percentage of them, are practised athletes. The membership of the club is mainly drawn from the class of young men between 18 and 25 years of age, in that period of life where sedentary careers are apt to tell hardest on constitutions however vigorous. There are many members, it is true, who had been accustomed to gymnasium work in the period of the boating excitement, but besides these, and the nucleus drawn from the old Amateur Athletic Association, it is fair to say that nine out of ten of the members were novices when they entered the club. There had been no such thing in Detroit as the cultivation of general athletic sports until this organization took hold, and whatever was cultivated was usually run to death. The private gymnasia were the first to break the ice; but even in these men undertook to rival Samson or Hercules in a week’s time, and, straining themselves, very often discouraged others as much as they caused injury to themselves. The private gymnasia were ephemeral affairs which were unsatisfactory, for the most part, and they never afforded the opportunity for long-continued training. Their prices, usually from ten to fifteen dollars for a two or three months’ term, were rather too much for young men of moderate means, and even where these drawbacks were eliminated there was no facility for outdoor work during the summer season under the direction of a proper tutor. The new club’s dues of twelve or fifteen dollars a year, at most, had an advantage from the standard of economy, and the price at which shares were sold early in its history made it possible for many to join it at a comparatively slight expenditure of money, taking into consideration the advantages gained. The novices took hold with a will, the advantage of a good instructor being very great, and under direction they have shown that there is much to be hoped for.

The instructor of the club is John Collins, a young man of twenty-five. He has also devoted some time to training in the gymnastic department of the Catholic Club and the local branch of the Young Men’s Christian Association. He has been five or six years in the business now, and is acknowledged to be the best all-round athlete in the city to-day. His special points of excellence are the grace and science of his boxing, and the expertness with which he handles the foils. He is self-trained, and during his career has boxed and sparred with most of the great men in the business, having stood up with Jack Burke, Pat Killen, Dennie Kelleher, “Reddy” Gallagher, Jack King, and others of equal fame. His earliest aspirations were in the direction of a private tutorship, and he was picked up first by the proprietors of some of the private gymnasia, where his methods and skill attracted so much attention as to secure him his present place. He is lightly built, quick and active, and has the necessary amount of patience with his pupils to qualify him for the difficulties of teaching. So far he has proved popular and profitable to the members of the club.

It must not be supposed for a moment from the foregoing remarks about the novelty of athletic training in Detroit, that there are no members of the club who are above the level of mediocrity. That would be far from the truth. There are quite a number of athletes who were drawn almost directly from the teams of the colleges in which they were educated to the new movement at home, and these are among the very active workers. The captain of the club is Nathan C. Williams, Jr., who was a Yale graduate of ’84, and is now in business in Detroit. He has charge of the field sports of the club, is responsible for its property used in gymnastic work, and arranges, with the aid of his lieutenants, the various exhibitions and field days which are given from time to time. Mr. Williams was manager of the Yale baseball team in his college days, and had an enviable record at New Haven. He has two lieutenants, Sidney T. Miller, a young lawyer, a graduate of Trinity College, Hartford, and Benjamin S. Comfort, Principal of the Tappan School, who was also inducted into the spirit of athletic work in one of the Eastern colleges. The club’s secretary, George J. Bradbeer, is an excellent hammer-thrower, an allround athlete, and was a good ball-player in by-gone years. The club’s president, Mr. Eddy, is a sprinter and ball-player of local note, and rarely misses a daily jog in good time on the cinder track. The University of Michigan, which is located so near Detroit, has furnished quite a number of young athletes, among them Royal T. Farrand, who held the University light-weight championship in boxing; Fred T. Ducharme, who has won a score of running races in good, if not fast time, and who promises to develop into a great jumper; Geo. P. Codd, a Michigan sophomore, the crack pitcher of the University ball team, and a good single player in lawn tennis; and Albert E. Miller, a young lawyer, who is the best tennis player in the club--so much so, in fact, that he is generally required to give handicaps to contestants. Mr. Miller was first lieutenant and manager of the club’s events last year, and is this season catcher in the club’s regular baseball nine. So far none of the runners have made startling time, except in base-running, which is hardly a recognized feat. In this, however, W. H. Reidy has equaled the best time made by professionals, 14 4-5 seconds, and the feat has been time and again duplicated by members of the club in 15 seconds. Ben. S. Warren, a recent accession from Yale, has developed into a fast sprinter, having made the 100-yard dash in 10 2-5 seconds, the best record for the feat being 10 seconds even. In last year’s sports Warren won the quarter-mile dash in 60 1-5 seconds, and has since made it in 54 seconds. This year a fast runner has been developed in Ed. Sanderson, a young student, who with ten yards start made the quarter on a slow track in 57 seconds. W. A. Chope and M. W. Sales, all young athletes, are among the more promising of the fast ones.

The baseball team is a strong one. The regular nine is made up as follows: A. E. Miller, catcher; Charles T. Miller, pitcher; Ed. E. Swift, third base; W. H. Reidy, short stop; Wm. C. Johnson, second base; Wm. H. Reid, first base; Walter A. Chope, left field; Mart. J. Root, centre field; Charles K. Foster, right field. Of these Chope has the reputation of being a phenomenal left-fielder for an amateur; Root is a man who had a good deal of practice with his fellow students at Yale; Reidy is a good pitcher, and Reid is a player who made a name with the Class Club, one of the strongest local amateur teams. Besides these, there are substitutes innumerable; so many, in fact, that the team has rarely played together as named.

The team is managed by Principal Comfort. It has already won a majority of the games played against the State University team, and the strong local nines with which the city abounds. The ball club’s uniform is gray and blue, the Athletic Club’s colors being gray and black.

Football has a good number of devotees. Sidney T. Miller, Professor Comfort, Strathearn Hendrie, a Trinity College man, Albert E. Miller, Edward E. Swift and R. Humffreys-Roberts, the latter a well-known English player, are among the leaders of the sport, but they have been unlucky in their weather. The coming year will be utilized to the best advantage, however, when some interesting games are promised.

The tennis players include A. E. Miller, H. T. Cole, Jerome H. Remick, Geo. P. Codd, David S. Carter, Sidney T. Miller and H. E. Avery. Codd and A. E. Miller represented the club at the tournament of the North-western Lawn Tennis Association, at Chicago, in July, 1887, tying for second place in the doubles.

The intention of the club management is to have a boating department in the near future. The City of Detroit owns Belle Isle, an island, 700 acres in extent, opposite the city, which has been turned into one of the finest public parks of the country. The yachting and boating clubs have taken or are preparing to take up their quarters on the shores of the island, where a congenial location and ready access to clear water are afforded. Here the Athletic Club’s boating department will be located, the city gymnasium of the club affording facilities for training the oarsmen and keeping them in shape. Those who know the history of boating in the West and are familiar with the names of the leaders, will recognize what the club has to hope for when it is stated that its membership includes John H. Clegg and Fred Standish, who have made the best records in pair-oared amateur races for years back. Both men are developments of the boating furore of a dozen years ago. Clegg took to the water for his health, and Standish for recreation, and they have been rowing together since 1881. In that year they won the senior pairs of the N. W. A. R. A., at Diamond Lake, and in 1882 took the senior pairs of the Mississippi Valley Amateur Rowing Association, at Creve Cœur Lake, near St. Louis. They were winners at Lachine, Quebec, in 1882. In 1883 and ’84 Clegg did not row, but in 1885 he returned to his old love, winning with Standish the pair-oared contests at New Orleans, at Moline, Ill., at St. Louis and at Detroit. At Hamilton, Ont., in August, 1885, they defeated Phillips and Hard, of the New York Athletic Club, in the Canadian annual regatta, winning in their class. Their record in 1885 was four straight victories and the lowering of the two-mile record. Clegg has decided views on the amateur question, and has contributed several articles to the press which meet the approval of the leading amateurs. He is opposed to semi-professionalism, paid crews, and those who row in the interest of backers, and believes all such should be excluded from competition against genuine amateurs. Mr. Clegg is a genuine American amateur, and with him and his co-worker, as leaders, there seems no reason why there should not be a healthy renaissance of boating among the members of the club.

It was this body of athletic enthusiasts who induced the Amateur Athletic Union of the United States to hold its first national meeting on the grounds of the Detroit Athletic Club. Those who are interested in amateur athletics already know of the success of that first meeting, held in the middle of September last. The entries included the leaders in the various departments of field and track work, and numbered 120, many competing in several events. There was excellent weather, a crowd of fully 5,000 people to enjoy the clever work, and much enthusiasm on the part of the participants and spectators. Some fast work was done in the running and jumping, although some people had fears that the track would prove rather slow. These fears were dispelled by the results, which were, in some cases, within one-fifth of a second of the best records. There was no record-breaking, however, save in one event--throwing the 56-lb. hammer. Till the meeting, Mr. C. A. J. Queckberner, of the Staten Island Athletic Club, had held the American championship on a best record of 26 ft. 4¾ in., while W. J. M. Barry, of Queen’s College, Cork, Ireland, had made 27 ft. The first essays of Queckberner fell below his own mark, and the work was tame until Mr. W. L. Coudon, of the New York Athletic Club, broke the world’s record by throwing the clumsy weight three-fourths of an inch beyond the distance made by Mr. Barry. When, in further competition with Queckberner, Coudon threw the weight 27 ft. 9 in., the excitement was intense, for even before the official announcement was made, it was apparent that he had beaten his previous throws by nearly a foot.

The running was of good character, with such contestants as Malcolm W. Ford, C. H. Sherrill, F. Westing, and a host of younger men from the New York Athletic clubs, and one each from Detroit and Philadelphia. Mr. C. H. Sherrill, of Yale College, suffered an unfortunate injury to his leg in the 220-yard dash, and Mr. T. P. Conneff, of the Manhattan Club, was badly worn out by the five-mile run, of which he was the winner; but beyond these there were no accidents to mar the occasion. The running times made very nearly approached records, but in no case excelled them.

The jumping did not come so close to records as the running. The hammer-throwing beat Queckberner’s record of 102 ft. 7 in., W. J. M. Barry, who has an American record of 129 ft. 1½ in., throwing the 16-lb. hammer from a seven-foot circle, without follow, 127 ft. 1 in. Queckberner beat his present championship record by throwing 106 ft. 11 in. The vaulting was short. In the tug-of-war the “Busy Bees” Athletic Association of Company B, 22d Regiment, N. G. S. N. Y., competed with a four-men team of the Manhattan Athletic Club, best two in three pulls, time limit, and weight limited to 600 pounds. The “Busy Bees” won the first and third pulls, the Athletic Club taking the second.

About all the events there was a dash and interest and that reassuring appearance of “squareness” which makes the work of the Athletic Union so attractive. This promises to be one of the distinctive marks of amateurism as opposed to professionalism. The management was excellent. Every event went off on time and without a hitch. The timekeeping, the judging, and the announcement were done with a rapidity that pleased spectators and left a good impression both of the National Union and its local representative. One immediate result of the success of the meeting was a boom in the local club’s membership.

There are many reasons why Detroit people are proud of their Amateur Athletic Club. The success of the idea which they aim to promote, the success of the national meeting, the character of the work done and the excellence of the facilities for doing it, the energy of the officers and the discipline of the members, and, above all, the vast physical benefit to result from the encouragement of the athletic idea, are among those reasons. Already the good work has begun to bear fruit in the establishment of other gymnasia. The Young Men’s Christian Association has equipped one, though not on quite so extensive a scale as the Athletic clubs. The Catholic Club has a class of about sixty, mostly its younger members, in training in a modest yet commodious “gym,” and the dealers tell the writer that the quantity of apparatus sold for private and home use during the past year is simply astonishing. These are direct results of the work of the Athletic Club, and there is hope for more.

GRAY EVENING.

The evening’s gown of gray Sweeps over the sighing grain: She comes, with her tender smile, As the sunset’s glories wane; And the flowers nod to her, And the grasses kiss her feet, And she sings to the weary day A lullaby, low and sweet: Sing soft, sing low, O Evening gray! Hush thou to rest The weary day.

The morning was very fair, And she laughed for very glee; And the blossoms, waking, breathed Of love and of hope to me. But love and hope have waned As the sunset colors wane-- O Evening, come, for the day Is athrob with fevered pain! Sing soft, sing low, Sweet Evening gray! Lull thou to rest The heart-wrung day.

Charles Prescott Shermon.

TO THE PACIFIC THROUGH CANADA.

BY ERNEST INGERSOLL.

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