184 



FOREST AND STREAM. 



[Makch 11, 1886. 



THE DOUBLE CENTERBOARD. 



Editor Forest and Stream: 



Tour article about double centerboard canoes in issue of Feb. 25 

 applies to me as much as any one, as my new canoe was perbaps 

 the first of ibis lot to reach completion; yet I should hardly have 

 attempted to answer your string of questions had it not been for the 

 balf promise in your concluding sentences to give in return for such 

 aaswers some information about double boards. Now, though re- 

 ceived in January, my new craft has not yet been afloat and I await 

 with much anxiety an opportunity to test practically the two -board 

 problem, and meanwhile am eager to embrace every chance to ac- 

 quire knowledge on the subject ; hence will try to purchase such by 

 an honest reply to your questions, 



To begin with I had too little knowledge of canoes up to the A. A. 

 meet of 1884 to form any opinion worth having on the centerboard 

 question. At that time 1 had had experience only with the Atwood 

 and was well enough satisfied with it. Shortly afterward I was seized 

 with a fancy to buy a canoe then partly completed in a certain build- 

 er's shop She had au iron plate of 25 to 301bs. in her and one trial 

 of her rilled me up with up with boards of that kind for inland river 

 u=e, and I sold the canoe on the first offer at a sacrifice of about $25. 

 So much for experience, 



During the season of 1885 I had numerous chances to try canoes of 

 club mates, fitted with Kadix boards, and though constantly becom- 

 ing less a,nd lass satisfied with the Atwood, these trials were far 

 from inducing: me to change my old one for the newer form of fold- 

 ing board. In this state I reached the A, C, A. meet of last year. 



As the shades of the first evening settled upon Eel Bay, a little 

 lantern was seen dancing over the rough water to the southward, 

 and as it drew in toward the beach a lusty bail announced the 

 arrival of the Rear-Commodore. Those of us who helped haul 

 up his staunch craft were not long in finding out that we had our 

 hands upon something new under the sun, or— at that moment— moon 

 rather, and it was past ten o'clock before the knot of interested ex- 

 aminers broke up to seek rest after a weary day of tent-pitching:, pole- 

 raising, trench-digging and the thousand and steen other duties 

 which make the first day in camp so delightful. Well, as I fanned 

 away the blessed mosquitoes and registered a vow never again to 

 leave home without enough netting to mase a racing mainsail, I told 

 mvself I had found the centerboard. A single blade of brass scarce 

 l-16in. think, weighing less than olos.. offering the minimum of re 

 sistance to the water, adding the minimum of weight to the canoe, 

 manipulated by finger and thumb, its light cord leading to any con- 

 venient point out or inside of coaming, thus doing away with the im- 

 perative necessity for a shift of your entire person to adjust the 

 hoard when perhaps you are leg-length out to windward and wishing 

 you bad a brick in your hat, or anything else to add a little weight on 

 your side, the "vanishing point" of stability. At last I have found 

 U,. But just as I am dropping off comes tbe thought, starting me 

 wide awake again, "but how does he make that canoe balance with 

 the board stuck away forward that way? To be sure tbat question 

 was asked and answered that the drop rudder balanced her, but 

 somehow that don't satisfy. My canoe, with dandy only quarter the 

 area of main, needs all her rudder down to equalize a board at least 

 two feet further aft than Sofronia's. Well, I presume an after hoard 

 would fix it, but then what a bother." 



Well, after I reached home once more, and had concluded that my 

 happiness demanded a Ruggles canoe, the question of board was the 

 hardest of all considerations to decide, 1 could not give up my 

 dream of the charms of a light brass blade, yet feared to risk one far 

 enough forward to leave the cockpit clear, with only the rudder aft 

 to depend on. while I could not bring myself to accept the extra com- 

 plication of a second board aft, with the sure necessity of hauling it 

 up every time I wanted to come about. Then came the Lassie! I 

 wrote to her skipper for advice in my dilemma, and it was not until 

 he had sent a second answer to my objections that the after board 

 was ordered, and even then it was with the half acknowledged hope 

 that the test 'would prove it unnecessary— like Sofronia— and enable 

 me to take it out. 



Now, Mr. Editor, you have my statement, and if you find it rather 

 long-winded, please accept it as a punishment for calling me a flock 

 of sheep. And please put me on record as beiug far from certain that 

 this time uext year will find me with a two-board canoe; also tell the 

 rest of the flock for me to go slow until they see how those twin "new 

 line" Mohicans turn out with double board in one and single in the 

 other. Now, send along your "more to say," and at same time tell 

 us who it is who has discarded the drop rudder. If be finds any rea- 

 son for so doing in fresh water he must be more ingenious than 



Reade W. Bailey. 



THE TROPHY AND A. C. A. DUES. 



Editor Forest and Stream: 



A principle that has been put forward first, last and all the time by 

 the officers of tbe A. C. A. is that no prizes of money value shall be 

 offered. The rules state that A. 0. A. prizes shall be flags. Every 

 effort, has been made in the past to prevent "mug hunting." An 

 A. C. A. prize certainly means ouo that the Association pays for. Tbe 

 Association has not paid for the trophy. Perhaps a hundred mem- 

 bers have subscribed, and two hundred more may send in $1 each. 

 Even then the trophy will be paid for by a minority of the members, 

 and why should those wbo do not subscribe have any claim on tbe 

 trophy? 



It is proposed to have a valuable prize presented to the Association 

 for a sailing contest. The Association of course can and did appoint 

 a committee to look after the matter, and it has a right to say under 

 what conditions the prize shall be raced for if accepted. It would be 

 foreign to the policy of the Association to decree that this prize shall 

 be awarded to the winner of the first race— or any race or series of 

 races— to become his personal properly. By a rule of the Association 

 donations for prizes are placed in the hands of tbe regatta committee. 

 Why should any exceptionjbe made in the case of the trophy ? Tbe 

 regatta committee's actions are all subject to the approval of the 

 Association as represented by its executive committee. 



I submit the above for consideration since a member of the execu- 

 tive committee published last week in your valuable paper a letter 

 over his own signature that seems to me to show that there has been 

 a general misunderstanding as to what this trophy is, what it is for, 

 and what the Association has to do with it. 



Three gentlemen from England are expected to be at the meet next 

 August. To add an attraction to the programme (an extra race or 

 races in which they can take part), a few members of the A. C. A. 

 proposed that such members as wished to should subscribe for a tio- 

 phy to be put up as a prize for such a race, leaving to the Associa - 

 tton. very properly, the labor of naming the conditions. These are 

 the facts. Why is the regular procedure in such cases not now fol- 

 lowed? The matter will have to come mto the hands of the Regatta 

 Committee finally. If they are instructed what to do they cannot he 

 held responsible for the result. "Too many cooks," etc. 



Another A, 0. A. matter has come to my notice. Several clubs have 

 taken action at their meetings disapproving of the Association for 

 increasing its dues to $2 a year. This is simply a matter of business. 

 If the Association cannot pay its bills with a $1 fee it must either re- 

 duce expenses or increase the dues, the members at the last meet 

 chose the latter course. As only a small minority of the members 

 can attend a meet, and as those wbo were absent last year did not 

 hear the secretary's report, and therefore do not know why it was 

 Decessary to raise the dues. To convince them of the necessity of 

 the action then taken, it is but good policy to publish in this year's 

 "Annual Book" a full treasurer's report, and thereby show them that 

 figures cannot lie. Had this been done last year, probably the ques- 

 tion never would have been raised, and certainly all members are en- 

 titled to know for what the furds of the Association have been ex- 

 pended. This may give our gallant secretary a little more work, bat 

 he certainly will not grudge the time thus occupied, and every mem- 

 ber will then be convinced, no doubt, that the increase was necessary 

 and act accordingly. O. Bowyer Vaux. 



CAMBRIDGE C. C— Editor Forest and St ream: The Cambridge 

 C C. (Cambridge, Mass.). organized June 9. 1885, held its fourth quar- 

 terly meeting for the election of officers on March 4. The officers for 

 the following term are: Commodore, John B. Jacobs; Vice-Commo- 

 dore, Clarence F. Glover ; Secretary and Treasurer, Rupert M. Gay. 

 The club signal is a pointed burgee, with blue field, white center and 

 red letter C. We have bad our headquarters at the Riverside Boat 

 House during tbe past season, but are now thinking of building a 

 house of our own Several of the members it. tend to make a cruise 

 upon the Charles River this summer. We have all had some experi- 

 ence with heavy canoes on the numerous dams in our vicinity, and 

 agree with the South Boston Club in wanting lighter ones. Three of 

 the members have concluded to build new ones for river work, 10ft. 

 by 20in. and 9J^m. deep, of canvas, and they probably will nob weigh 

 over 25 pounds each. We would like to meet representatives of other 

 clubs in the vicinity to arrange for cruises and holiday trips. All 

 communications should be addressed to R. M. Gay, 107 Washington 

 street, Boston, Secretary C, C. C. 



NEW YORK C. C. CHALLENGE CUP.— The secretary of tbeN.Y. 

 C has received the following letter in regard to the corning races: 

 72 Mark Lane, E. C„ Feb. 17, 18S6. Dear Sir— Your letter of Jan. 19, 

 containing modified conditions of the proposed international canoe 

 race has been duly laid before my committee and approved. It is 

 most probable that three of our members will attend to compete for 

 your Oup in the latter part of August, but I shali not be authorized to 

 send you a formal challenge until after the spring meeting of this 

 club on the 83d iD&t , — T. Q. F. Winser, Sec'y R.C. C. 



THE ROYAL C. C— The spring meeting took place on Tuesday last 

 at the Caledonian Hotel. Much regret was expressed at the retire- 

 ment of J. W, Clayton from the mateship, and a vote of thanks was 

 passed for his kindness and liberality to the club during his term of 

 office. Mr. Baden-Powell was unanimously elected to the vacant 

 post, and the following list of fixtures were made for 18S6: April 17, 

 Hendon; sailing race; sail area limited to 75 =q ft. April 24, Hen don; 

 first class sailing. Mayl, Hendon; challenge cup. May 19, Kings- 

 ton ; half-mile paddling. May 26, Kingston; onemile paddling. June 

 5, Kingston; two miies paddling. June 12, Teddington ; sailing; any 

 canoes; girth measurement. June 19. Teddington; first class sail- 

 ing, June 19, Teddington; long paddling race", June 20, Tedding- 

 ton; annual regatta. July 10, Teddington; sailing race, under T. V. 

 S. C. measurement and time allowance. It was resolved that a camp 

 be held in the vicinity of Teddington Reach on the Friday before the 

 regatta, and that a prize be offered for the best set of cruising appli- 

 ances, with canoe, exhibited on this occasion. On the metion of T. J. 

 Holding, a sub committee, consisting of F. E. Prothero, W. P. Shad- 

 bolt, Major Roberts and T. H, Holding, was appointed to collect in- 

 formation for the furtherance of canoe cruising and the perfecting 

 of cruising appliances. It-was also decided that a challenge should 

 be at once sent to the New York C. O. to race for the handsome inter- 

 national cup offered by that club, and the meeting then closed.— 

 London Field, Feb. 27. 



THE WESTERN CANOE ASSOCIATION. — A meeting of the Ex- 

 ecutive Committee of the Western Canoe Association was held last 

 week in Cincinnati, when the arrangements were perfected for the 

 meet at Ballast Island, Lake Erie, beginning July 1 and continuing to 

 July 20. The Lake Erie yachts will rendezvous at the island during 

 the meet, and hold their annual regatta under the auspices of the 

 Cleveland Y. O, whose commodore, Mr. Geo. Gardner, is also com- 

 modore of the W. C. A. The Inter Lake Yachting Association, which 

 met at Toledo on the 6th inst., with representatives from Buffalo, 

 Erie, Cleveland, Sandusky, Detroit, Chicago and Milwaukee, will 

 probably hold their regatta off Ballast in "the middle of July. The 

 Western Amateur Rowing Association will, it is expected, accept the 

 invitation of W. C. A. to have their races at the same time and place, 

 so that the prospects for a brilliant gathering of sails, oars and pad- 

 dles are very encouraging. The W. C. A. has now on its menbership 

 list nearly one hundred names, which will no doubt receive large 

 additions as July approaches. A pamphlet containing the programme 

 of the meet, lists of classes, races, amusements for each day, etc., 

 with fuU information respecting accommodations and the best means 

 of reaching the Island will be published in a few days. 



OAKLAND C. C. CRUISE.— While Eastern canoeists were skating 

 and coasting their luckier brothers of the far West were enjoying 

 the opening cruise of 1886, on the waters about San Francisco'. The 

 Oakland O. C. started on Feb. 20 at noon, a fleet of ten canoes; Mys- 

 tic, Flirt, Undine, Columbia. Falcon, Black Dwarf, White Cap, Zephyr, 

 Volant and Hattie Belle started from the club house on Oakland 

 creek aud beat down to its mouth, tbe latter two boats only going a 

 couple of miles. With a good breeze Goat Island was reached at 

 4 P. M., camp was made and the night was pleasantly spent. The 

 destination next day was Sheep Island, but a foul tide and head 

 wind made it impossible to reach there, and the fleet headed for 

 H-inter's Poiut, reaching it at 11 A. M. Embarking at 2 P. M. after a 

 good dinner, the canoes headed again for Sheep Island, but met with 

 rough water in Mission Bay. Again the course was changed and the 

 fleet headed for Goat Island, where a second night was passed. On 

 Monday morniug a party of ladies and gentlemen visited the canoe- 

 ists in the steam launch of the revenue cutter Hassler. and after a 

 day's picnic on the island they towed the canoes home, ending a 

 very pleasant cruise. 



BROOKLYN C, C— The following programme of races has been 

 arranged for 1885: "Challenge Cup" sailing races will beheld from 

 May 1 to Sept. 25, probably every two weeks. Sailing races for Classes 

 A, B & C, Class C to include all boats outside A. C. A. sailing regula- 

 tions (sneakboxes, etc.), will be held on May 15 and Sept. 18, at 3 

 o'clock, P. M. Pad dhng races will beheld on the following Saturdays: 

 May 1, June 12, July 10, Aug. 7 and Sept. 4. at 3 o'clock, P. M. A. C. 

 A. sailing regulations will govern races. Sailing and paddling races 

 in May and September to be "All around Record" races. Prizes will 

 be given for sailing, paddling, and for record races. Distances: Sail- 

 ing, about 3 miles. Paddling, about mile. If members of other 

 clubs compete, special prizes will be offered. 



SMOOTH SKIN CANOES.— Captain Ruggles, of Charlotte, is busy 

 with a number of orders for his carvel built canoes. Com. Rathbun's 

 new boat will be 15ft. 8in. by 80in. Sofronia will have an after board 

 added this season. Prof. Mellen will have a new canoe, and Mr, 

 Ruggles is also building one for Mr. D, C. Piatt, one for Messrs, 

 Walters and Stewart, and one for Mr. W. A. Borden, besides some 

 open canoes and rowboats. 



BUCKTAIL CANOES.— We advertise in another column a duplicate 

 of "Nessmuk's" famous canoe, which he is now using in Florida. The 

 boat is a new one and has never been used. 



PEARL.— Mr. Baden-Powell, of the Nautilus, has laid up his 175 

 ton yawl Pearl at Sboreham for the season as he will visit America 

 with his canoe this year. 



fachting. 



Address all communications to the Forest and Stream Publish- 

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FIXTURES. 



31— Sandy Bay Y. C, Cup Race, Rockport. 

 31— Toledo Y. C, Pennant Matches, 



9— Frisbe and Em Ell Eye. City Point, Match Race. 



12— Sandy Bay Y. O, Cup Race, Gloucester, 

 15— Atlantic Y. C, Regatta. 



17— N. Y. Y. V, Regatta. 

 17— Dorchester Y. C., Nahant, Open. 

 17— Sandy Bay Y. C, Cup Race. Squam. 

 17— Hull Y. C, Corinthian Pennant Race. 

 19— Hull Y. C, Pennant race. 



23— Boston Y. 0^ Oup Race, City Point. 

 2fi— Sandy Bay Y. C, Cup Sail-off, Squam, 

 26— Corinthian Y. C Club Race. 



3- HuH Y. C, Club Race. 



4 - Boston Y. C. Regalia. 



4- Sandy Bay Y. O, Open Race, Squam. 



5— Toledo Y. C. Pennant Matches. 

 10— Hull Y. O, Novelty Race. 



10— Corinthian Y. C. Race. 



10— Sandy Bay Y. C, Pennant Match, Rockport. 



13— Beverley Y. O, Marblehead, First Championship. 

 17— Hull Y.'C Champion Kaee. 



17— Sandy Bay Y. C, Corinthian Race. 



21— Hull Y, C, Ladies' Day. 



22— Boston Y. C, Cup Race, City Point. 



24— Dorchester Y. C, Club Race, Harrison Square. 

 24— Corinthian Y. C, Ladies' Race. 



24— Sandy Bay Y. C , Pennant Race, Gloucester. 



31— Beverlev Y. C Swampscott, Second Champioaship. 



81— Hull Y.'C, Cruise to eastward. 



31— Sandy Bay Y. O, Cruise to meet R. Y, C. 



2— Sandy Bay Y. C, Open Race, Rockport. 



7_Corinthian Y, C, Open Race, Marblehead. 



14— Hull Y. C. Open Race, Hull. 



14— Beverley Y. C , Nahant, Third Championship. 



14— Sandy Bay Y. C Club Race, Squa m. 



21— Beverley Y. C, Marblehead, Open Matches. 



25- Hull Y.C., Ladies' Day. 

 28— Corinihian Y. O. Race. 

 28— Hull Y. C, Champion Race. 



28— Sandy Bay Y. O, Open Race, Squam. 

 2— Boston Y. C, Cup Race, City Point. 

 4— Dorchester Y. O, Fall Race. 

 4— Corinthian Y. O, Champion Race. 

 4— Sandy Bay Y. C, Pennant Race, Rockport. 



11— Hull Y. C, Champion Sail-off. 



11— Corinthian Y. O, Sweepstakes Regatta. 

 11— Sandy Bay Y. 0.. Sweepstakes, Gloucester. 

 13— Sandy Bay Y. O,, Club Race, Kockport, 

 17— Toledo Y. C, Pennant Matches. 

 28— Beverley Y. O, Nahant, Fall Matches. 



YACHT STOVES. 



Editor Forest and Stream: 



I was the original "W." who wrote in favor of a gasoline stove. 

 About two weeks ago another ' W." criticised this class of stoves. I 

 stand prepared to prove to any one that tbe gasoline stove will pro- 

 duce four times the heat au oil stove wilt and that it is less liable to 

 accidents, and that those accidents which do occur are less serious 

 in their results. It is probably not known by most people that if 

 gasoline be spilt on a floor and ignited it wiirburn up tbe same as 

 alcohol and not leave a trace of the flame. With the stove I use an 

 accident is impossible, and is a wood-jacketed can is used for storing 

 the gasoline in, no accident can happen tbere. I am now having 

 made from patterns of my own design for my own use, a gasoline 

 stove perfectly adapted to single- hand craft. The kind before 

 described in these columns was designed for heating irons, not for 

 cooking. Mine is made for cooking only. 



I have read with much interest the cruise of tbe Coot, because it 

 is over water which I have cruised a number of times. Tbe annoy- 

 ances Mr. Kunhardt has met with are those tbat always beset one in 

 strange waters. I fear that the effect of reading the cruise will deter 

 others from making the trip, which in the summer time is oue of the 

 most beautiful among eastern waters. I wish to say here that tbe 

 Delaware from Philadelphia to Trenton is from one-halt to a mile 

 wide, and that there is a 34ft. channel to Bordentown and 5ft. to Tren- 

 ton at low water. A boat drawing 3ft. of water needs no chart. 

 Tbere are only two bars of any importance to such a boat, one oppo- 

 site Florence and the other at, the mouth of Rancoeas Creek, and 

 there is a deep, broad channel opposite each. Moreover, the river is 

 buoyed to Trenton wherever there are turns in the channel, and at 

 night the river is lighted by beacons the same as our western rivers. 

 When I state that canal schooners carrying 300 tons of coal navigate 

 the river at all tides, in all winds, and by clay and night, I think that 

 is sufficient to show that little trouble should be met with by a 25ft. 

 boat. Chas. L. Work. 



ATLANTIC. 



THE extreme cold weather of last week was not favorable for out- 

 door work in such an exposed place as Bay Ridge, but consider- 

 able urogress has been made in the new yacht. The two main keel 

 logs have been bolted together, ihe slot has been cut and the head- 

 ledges of thetruuk bolted in place; tbe several pieces forming the 

 forward part of keel have been bolted to the main keel and to each 

 other, and ^ft the main keel pieces have had a short piece scarfed to 

 them, with a wood chock, carrying out the shape of tbe lead keel below, 

 and a heavy oak dead wood or keelson, running from the sternpost 

 nearly to the after end of the trunk above the main keel. The stem, 

 apron and knightheads are bolted together, the horn timbers are in 

 place on the sternpost, the rudder stock is out, a fine stick of locust, 

 and all the frames are bolted together. The casting of the keel be- 

 gan last Saturday. A box was made of Sin. plank, the inside being 

 an exact counterpart of the lead keel. This box was lined with 

 asbestos paper and laid in place upper, or open, side upward on blocks 

 placed to receive it. The keel structure was then made ready, the 

 iron tierods being driven through from below, ready for tbe turn- 

 buckles, the composition screw bolts being also driven, projecting 

 below, and a number of blind bolts, also of composition, being driven 

 from below, with their headed ends left to project into the lead. A 

 wooden cove for the slot wis placed in the mould and the keel was 

 then placed over it. Heavy chains were passed at intervals around 

 the box and keel and set up by wedges, holding both together, the 

 lower side of the keel thus forming the top of the box. The gates 

 for pouring tbe lead were about 4x6in. and were cut at intervals of 

 2 or 3ft. along the upper edge of the keel box. On each side of the 

 keel was an iron cauldron 5ft. in diameter, supported on iron blocks, 

 leaving space below for a wood Are, As the lead melted it was car- 

 ried in iron ladles holding about three quarts, and poured in the 

 various gates, fresh pigs being constantly added to the cauldron. 

 About half the lead was poured on Saturday and the balance on 

 Monday, and when the planks were removed at noon the casting was 

 found to be in excellent shape, smooth and solid. Men were set to 

 work at once with chisels and adzes to cut away the gates and to 

 finish up the surface. The stem, stern and frames are going up 

 rapidly, and all will soon be ready for planking. 



THE PHILADELPHIA TUCK-UP. 



Editor Forest and Stream: 



The numerous inquiries I have received about the Philadelphia 

 tuck-up, again compel me to have recourse to your columns. 



It is very evident to my mind that there is a demand for a larger 

 boat for cruising purposes than the cauoe, and while I am not pre- 

 pared to sav that the tuck up is the coming boat, I will say that so 

 far as my experience goes it is the most roomy and comfortable boat 

 yet brought out. and I bave merely opened the subject hoping that 

 it would bring out others whose experience had been greater than 

 mine. 



As you know, I am not a boat builder, neither am I interested in 

 pushing any manufacturer; therefore, whatever information I may 

 give must not be taken as authontive, but simply as my individual 

 experience, growing out of tbe ownership of perhaps a dozen of these 

 boats. 



As to cost, the builders of these boats build only for local use, and 

 the boats are usually turned over to the owner in the wood, i. e., not 

 painted. I will mention, however, what I have paid to have the boats 

 completed. 



The cost of the hull, specified, no knots or butts in planking; when- 

 ever any two pieces of wood are placed together, i bey to be first 

 painted over; copper riveted and no iron to be used on bull, combing 

 of walnut fastened on witb nickel plated screws, $75. If no strei-s is 

 laid on these specifications. $65 will buy the hull. 



Painting the hull and polishing combing is worth $5, the brass work 

 for bull and rigging is worth, if polished, $15,andif nickel-plated $20, 

 two pair of oars, finished, $4. 



Spars for 156ft. sail $5 and for 90ft. sail $4, shellacing same $1; sails 

 156ft., $10; 901 1., $0; running rigging and making boat ready for use. 

 S3: making a total for the finest class of boat, with two sets of sails, 

 of $133. Of course only one suit is necessary. The 156Et. sail is Ihe 

 regular club racing sail, and is only carried in smooth water and 

 moderate winds. Any one who wants this sail must also get the 90ft., 

 which can be carried anywhere by a crew of two. 



In Philadelphia sails are called by the number of yards of 27in. 

 wide canvas contained in them. Allowing for the center bight and 

 seams, corner pieces, etc., a yard of canvas makes 6 sq. ft. of sail 

 surface; so in ordering from a Philadelphia sailmaker you will call 

 for a 15-yard or a 26-yard sail. I doubt if many of tbem would know 

 what to make if you asked for a 90 or 156ft. sail. 



I am aware tbat to talk to a canoeist of anything larger than the 

 cockle shell he is accustomed to drifting around in will bring down 

 on my poor head a volley that ought to annihilate me ; so to let these 

 gentlemen down easy 1 will mention that tbere is in quite extensive 

 use on the Delaware' River a double-ended, 15ft. boat, having about 

 4ft. beam, that is in almost all respects a modern canoe broadened to 

 that beam. This boat is known as the "ducker," and was originally 

 designed for pushing over the marshes after reed birds. For this 

 reason it is even yet painted of a color closely resembling the reeds 

 composing the marshes. It carries a 90ft. or 108ft. sail and a crew of 

 two, and is a decidedly comfortable boat. To any canoeist who is 

 not yet ready to make a bold plunge for a square-stern boat, the 

 "ducker" will make an excellent halt- way step. I have noticed, 

 however, that all ducker men finally graduate into tuck-ups. on the 

 principle. I suppose, of tbe survival of the fittest. C. L. Work. 



MORE YACHTS FROM BOSTON.— It is time tbat New York looked 

 to her laurels if she is to retain the place she has so long claimed as 

 a leader in yachting. Hitherto she has had little to fear from East- 

 ern yachts, but last year the Puritan's success gave all the fame of 

 tne races to Boston. This year she is launching out for further vic- 

 tories. Besides Puritan and the new Mayflower another largd yacht 

 is now promised, a schooner from Mr. Burgess's designs, for a gen- 

 tleman in Providence. This new boat will resemble the other two in 

 model, being 103ft. over all, 86ft. waterline, 23£t. beam, with lead 

 keel and centerboard. Lawleys will build her, and she will be ready 

 in time for the Newport races. The same firm will also build a third 

 class sloop for Mr, J. S. Fay, of Boston, from Mr. Burgess's designs. 



MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF A SHARPIE.— The visitor 

 to Mumm's yard at Bay Ridge will find on the railway a curious craft, 

 whose build is enough to puzzie even an expert, A schooner-rigged 

 craft of about 60ft. over all and 14ft. beam; she is noticeable for her 

 flat floor, round barrel sides, flat run, and very deep keel of about 

 3ft. A striking peculiarity in build is also observable, the planking 

 on her fiat bottom runs thwartship*, while that on her sides runs 

 fore and aft in tbe usual manner. A look at tbe name on her stern 

 only increases the mystery, and nothing short of an explanation 

 from some one in the secret, will convince the inquirer that this 

 curious specimen contains the remains of the nonsinkable, uncapsiz- 

 able sharpie, Vidette; which we commented on several times last 

 winter (l884-'85). The Vidette will be remembered as a sharpie of 

 the usual built, with a centerboard and also a keel of lead 2ft. deep 

 and weighing four tons. After being in service for a part of the 

 season she was hauled up at Mumm's for two more tons of lead on 

 her keel and the removal of her centerboard. This winter she has 

 been again hauled up, her sides, flaring as in all sharpies, were 

 opened near the bottom, regular frames were inserted and bolted to 

 the bottom, making a round bilge and slightly flaring, side, and these 

 were planked over, a new rabbet being cut in the stem. Exeept her 

 flat bottom, the sharpie had entirely disappeared, and in its place is 

 something that is neither sloop nor cutter in model, an anomaly that 

 it would be very hard to class. By the change have been secuted in- 

 creased beam, considerable useless weight, and no more room below 

 or on deck. The rig will also be changed, a larger mainmast and 

 topmast being substituted. The builder has done his part well, and 

 made a very good job. There are various ways of building a yacht, 

 and this is one of them. Of course the outlay over such haphazard 

 experiments is considerable, and the final results are certain to be 

 unsatisfactory ; but if tbe owner is suited it is no one else's business. 



