216 



FOREST AND STREAM. 



[Oct. 6, 1887. 



haye been half a dozen fine yachts added. There are plenty of 

 men to-day who would be glad to build for the trial races, but who 

 cannot afford a first-class boat, even if certain of success, as sue 

 would be too expensive for their wants af terwai d. 



It may be urged against the restoration of the Cup races to the 

 smaller classes that the chances of the keel boat are better than 

 in the first class, as depth is much more effective, but as far as 

 winning the Cup is concerned, if depth and draft will do in one 

 class they will do it in another, though at a greater cost, but in 

 such a case money would be of do importance to the challengers. 

 On the other hand, if it should ue agreed on now to limit the race 

 to 70 or 75ft., there would be no lack of boats ready for the trial 

 races. Another consideration, too, comes in here, suppose the 

 next challenger is of 85 or perhaps 80ft., and Gen. Paine, gets tired 

 Of the sport, who will or can take his place? The possibility is by 

 no means unlikely, he has won for three years in succession and 

 has little left to win, the work he has done has been both arduous 

 and costly, and he can retire at any time with perfect propriety, 

 in fact it would be bett-r for American yachting if he left the de- 

 fense ot the Cup to others and took Volunteer abroad after the 

 two cups there. It is plain to all that but for his efforts the Cup 

 would be on the other side now, there is not another yachtsman 

 in the country who both could and would do what lie has done for 

 three successive seasons, and it is too much to expect that he will 

 go on indefinitely. Should he be ready to build for a fourth time 

 it may be best to hold to the big class as far as the safety of the 

 Cup is concerned, but should he withdraw, the advantage Of hav- 

 ing a large number of boats in a smaller class from which to choose 

 a defender will be apparent. 



To sum un then, the proper carrying out of the spirit of the 

 trust confided in them requires that the holders of the Cup take 

 into consideration whether the present influence of the races is 

 the best for yachting, whether the present first class is desirable, 

 and to be retained; if not, which size will be the beet. If it be de- 

 cided thfit a change is advisable, then the faulty a.nd inadequate 

 classification of the club will need atlention, and the selection of 

 one class for the international races will have to be settled. The 

 manner in which the races have been managed this season is a 

 sufficient indication that the New York Yacht Club is alive to the 

 importance of the trust held by it, and that the intention is to 

 carry out the spirit as well as the letter of the deed of gift, and in 

 submitting the above considerations we do so with every confi- 

 dence that they will at least be weighed by the club and condemned 

 or accepted only after full deliberation and discussion. 



THISTLE TO WINDWARD. 



Editor Forest and Stream: 



I would like to add a few separate remarks to my review of the 

 Thistle races. Although venturing upon a criticism of her lateral 

 plane and gripe, I do not wish to have my review accepted as even 

 a mild indictment of Mr. Watson's ability, and still less as a 

 direct charge of a palpable error for which he should be held re- 

 sponsible. Nobody realizes more than I do how much easier it is 

 to find fault and issue directions after the results have made the 

 case clear. Despite her failure to point and fetch with Volunteer 

 the Scotch yacht must be conceded a masterpiece, second only to 

 the latest Burgess boat, and it is a question whether any one can 

 guarantee superior performance. My object is only to contribute a 

 rational explanation of her sailing according to such light as 1 

 possess, recognizing that Mr. Watson is quite capable of paddling 

 his own canoe and that opinions from him to the contrary would 

 be entitled to the fullest weight. 



When Thistle was docked the very first impression I received 

 was that she lacked in lateral resistance, and with no gripe and a 

 long flaring bow above water, would be apt to sag and fall off, 

 particularly in a seaway. Her tests on the other side were not 

 crucial, since the yachts she met were so much inferior in other 

 respects, that Thistle's own faults failed to appear by contrast. 

 The recent races seem to confirm my rtrst impression, and I have 

 no doubt that Mr. Watson will be able to meet Thistle's defi- 

 ciency in his next venture. It has been shown in the Thistle races 

 "that it can be done," a'nd despite the enthusiasm of our own 

 people over the Volunteer's victory, British bulldog persistency 

 will yet manage "to do it," unless we meet John Bull with one of 

 his own tools. 0. P. Kttnhabdt. 



AFTER THE RACES. 



MESSRS. PAINE and Burgess returned to Boston on Saturday 

 night, after a reception by the New York Y. C. A grand 

 reception will be given them in Faneuil Hall to-morrow night. 

 Messrs. Bell and Watson have been in New York, some of Thistle's 

 party are preparing for a trip up the Hudson in the Mohican. 

 Most of them sail lor home by the City of Rome on Oct. 12. Vol- 

 unteer left on Tuesday for Marblehead, where she will anchor for a 

 lew days, aU visitors being freely admitted on board by Gen. 

 Paine's orders, after which she will lay up for the season. Thistle 

 is still off Staten Island, but will probably lay up soon at Man- 



has been an effort on the part of the Larchmont Y. C. to get up a 

 race for all the first class, including Thistle and Galatea, but it is 

 not likely to take place, 



A rumor is current of a challenge from Mr. Wm. Muir, of Dum- 

 barton, Scotland, and also of one from the Royal Nova Scotia 

 Y. S., but m the meantime the following letter has been received 

 by the secretary of the New York Y. C: 



New York, Aug. BO. 1837.— John H. Bird, Esq.: Dear Sir— I beg 

 to inform you, as representing the New York Y. C. that it is my 

 intention to challenge for the America's Cup, and that the formal 

 challenge with the documents and particulars required by the 

 deed of gift will be forwarded as soon as possible. The yacht will 

 be owned by myself and another yachtsman. 



As the position of a challenger may be considered antagonistic 

 to the club holding the Cup, 1 think it right to tender my resigna- 

 tion as a member of the New York Y. C. I do so with much regret, 

 as all my relations with the club have been of a most, pleasant 

 nature. 1 am, very truly, Charles Sweet. 



Mr. Sweet is well known as a Scotch yachtsman, a member of 

 several English clubs, and resident for several years in New York, 

 where his business is partly located. He brought out and now 

 owns the cutter Clara, so successfully sailed here by Capt. Barr, 

 and is a member of the Seawanhaka, Corinthian, Larchmont and 

 Eastern, Ifo well as the. New Y r ork Y. C. While no necessity for 

 his resignation exists, and it is not likely to be accepted by the 

 club, Mr. Sweet has tendered it as above. Nothing definite as to the 

 proposed boat is decided on, but Mr. Watson will design her. A 

 movement is on foot for a testimonal in the form of a cup for Gen. 

 Paine and for a national purse to be presented to Mr. Burgess, the 

 New York Y. C. contributing $500 toward each. A meeting oi the 

 club was held on Monday night, at which the following important 

 resolutions were passed: 



Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed by the Chair to 

 confer with Mr. George L. Schuyler on the subject of amending 

 the deed of gift of the America's Cup, and with full power and 

 authority to execute in behalf of the club any and all papers and 

 instruments necessary to effect any changes in such deed of gift 

 and the acceptance thereof which may be mutually agreed upon 

 between them and Mr. Schuyler. 



Resolved, That $500 be appropriated for the purchase of a suit- 

 able testimonial to be presented to Captain Charles J. Paine by 

 this club as a grateful recognition of his unequalled skill and 

 ability in thrice defending its possession. 



Resolved, That a dinner be tendered by this club to Captain 

 Charles J. Paine and Mr. Edward Burgess (to take place at such 

 time as may be most agreeable to them) as a mark of its apprecia- 

 tion of their enterprise, talents and genius so conspicuously dis- 

 played in the interests ot American yachting. 



Resolved, That subscriptions to such dinner be open to all mem- 

 bers of this club upon such terms and in such manner as a special 

 committee, consisting of the flag officers, the secretary and 

 treasurer and the chairman of the Cup, regatta and house com- 

 mittees, shall determine, and that the arrangements for such din- 

 ner be intrusted to such committee, with power. 



Resolved, That the thanks of this club are justly due to the 

 Board of Commissioners of the Municipal Police of the City of 

 New York and to tueir skillful and energetic officers in charge of 

 their patrol boat for the very efficient services rendered by them 

 to the club in keeping the course clear and preserving order dur- 

 ing the recent races for the America's Cup. 



Besolved, That a reception be tendered to Vice Commodore Bell, 

 of the Royal Clyde Yacht Club, the owner of the Thistle, to be 

 held at the club house at such time as lie may designate. 



Resolved, That the treasurer of the club be directed to contribute 

 in its behalf 8500 to the national subscription recently inaugurated 

 as a testimonial to Mr. Edward Burgess, designer of the Puritan, 

 the Mayflower and the Volunteer. 



The committee was afterward appointed by the Commodore, as 

 follows: Ex-Commodore James D. Smith, Charles J. Paine, 

 Philip Schuyler, Governeur Kortright, Latham A. Fish and Com- 

 modore Gerry. 



After waiting to witness the races Galatea will sail for England 

 tihis week, with Lieut, and Mrs. Henn on board, 



AN EXPERT REVIEW. 



Editor Forest and, Stream: 



Summarizing and interpreting correctly the recent international 

 matches is fortunately an easy task, for the races admit of clear 

 and incontestable conclusions. 



Tha first trial was over the "inside." or New York Y. C. course, 

 which has been shown time and again to be unreliable, unfair and 

 impracticable, but which will continue to figure, in international 

 records as long as the present unenlightened element sways the 

 destinies of the club acting as trustee of the Cup. 



It is admitted on all sides that there was a great deal of fluking 

 in the earlier work from start off Owl's Head down to Southwest 

 Spit. It is also admitted that the fleet of nearly two hundred ac- 

 companying steamers proved a greater nuisance than ever, and 

 that the two racers were seriously hampered by their reckless in- 

 terference, which at times amounted virtually to a blockade. 



There will be differences of opinion as to the extent to which 

 each of the yachts suffered, but there is only one opinion concern- 

 ing the impracticability of insuring an unobstructed course over 

 the stretch mentioned. 



To reach sound deductions, the work from start down to tho 

 Hook must be omitted from consideration, the sailing being too 

 much checkered by the slants and the promiscuous harrassing of 

 the steam fleet, some vessels, I regret to say, acting in a manner 

 which was nothing short of vicious and shameful. And among 

 these vessels were steam yachts flying the burgee of the N. Y. Y. C. 



Prom black can No. 5, off the point of Sandy Hook, out to the 

 Lightship for tne turn and all the way home to the finish, the 

 racers were comparatively free from annoyance by steamers, and 

 had something like an even wind. Approaching the finish, how- 

 ever, Volunteer was again badly hampered by the headlong rush 

 made by the steamers to fetch up at the finish in advance. Of this 

 due account will be taken in the following: 



FIRST MATCH. 



Tuesday, Sept. 27, N. Y. Y. C. course. Wind light and variable 

 with calms at start, settling into light southeasterly breeze during 

 work out to Hook, and veering into southward during last third 

 of race. Sea smooth. 



Throwing out tec first part of the race, which was no race at all, 

 but a gross travesty, tho Thistlo having to box about, hunting for 

 the Southwest Spit buoy hidden among the steamer— we will pick 

 up the flyers as they pass buoy No. 3 off the Hook and follow them 

 out and home again. The times at different points were as fol- 

 f ollows, buoy No. 10 being the Spit. 



Buoy 5, Lightship, Buoy 5, Buoy 10, Finish, 

 off Hook, the round, on return, on return. Buov 15. 

 Volunteer..3 44 30 3 42 13 4 23 30 4 30 00 5 28 16 

 Thistle 3 03 00 4 01 15 4 40 30 4 53 00 5 45 53 



Differences 19 30 19 03 17 00 17 00 17 37 



The above table is official only for Lightship and finish. Other 

 times are taken from the most reliablo accounts published. They 

 are sufficiently correct for the purpose. 



The distance from Hook around Lightship and home is scant 

 two-thirds of the entire course, the first third being disregarded 

 for reasons stated. 



We find, then, that at Buoy 5, off the Hook, Thistle was 19m. 30s. 

 astern of Volunteer. Out to the Lightship it was a good rap full, 

 both being able to fetch tho mark, so that the demands of ex- 

 tremely high pointing and fetohing did not come into play, the 

 stretch being only an issue in respect to "footing." At the Light- 

 ship the distance between the yachts was 10.03, or 27s. less. This 

 gain of the Thistle is too slight to be deemed of any practical im- 

 port and both craft can be set down as jwt equal by the wind. 



From Lightship back to Hook it was a broad reach, with big jib- 

 topsails and booms wide to starboard. Thistle reduced the dis- 

 tance from 19.03 at the turn to 17.00 at the Hook, a material gain 

 of 2m. 3s. That is to say, on a broad reach Thistle wan the faster 

 boat. 



From Hook in to Buoy 10 on Southwest Spit, it was again nearly 

 a close haul for both craft. The same distance was maintained, 

 so that once more by the wind both yachts showed the same speed. 



From the Spit up Ship Channel to finish it was a free run under 

 spinnakers. The distance of 17m. was increased to I7m. 37s. at 

 finish, a trifling loss of 37s. for Thistle, but too small to have anv 

 practical meaning. Therefore, down wind both yachts displayed 

 the same speed. 



The total gain for Thistle in all this work is the difference be- 

 tween 19.30 at Hook going out and 17.37 at finish, or lm. 53s. But, 

 as above mentioned. Volunteer had herwind split up by the steam 

 fleet to a greater extent than Thistle, and the latter stifle red most 

 from the broken water they left in their wake. How much al- 

 lowance is due to each yacht on this score no one can tell. It goes 

 to show the absurdity of arranging a match over such an unsuit- 

 able course. Let us allow the gain of Thistle as an offset to 

 Volunteer's loss of even wind. It is as near an estimate as can be 

 offered. Then there remains these notable facts: 



1. From Hook out and home, by the ivind, on a reach and down 

 the wind. Thistle is at least as fast as Volunteer. 



2. No gain in practice resulted to volunteer from tricing up her 

 board down ivind, however truthfully such a gain may be argued 

 in theory. There are evidently concurrent disadvnntages.whether 

 in the slosh of water in the casing, the tearing apart of such 

 water from the body of water below, or in the form of the vessel 

 herself called for in models adapted to the use of the board. 



But "one swallow does not make a summer." Neither does ono 

 race demonstrate anything beyond question. Fortunately the 

 foregoing observations were strengthened beyond dispute by the 

 lessons ot the second match over the outside course, practically 

 free from fluke and interference. 



SECOND MATCH. 



Friday, Sept. 30.— Course twenty miles to windward and return; 

 start from Scotland Lightship; turn abreast New inlet, Long 

 Island, three miles off shore. Sea smooth, with moderate jump 

 during latter half of race. Wind fairly steady, E. by N.; average 

 strength 18 miles. 



It was almost a dead beat out and spinakers home until nearing 

 finish, when a southerly vein to the wind compelled them to come 

 in and balloon jibtopsails were set instead. Fair and conclusive 

 race in every respect. 



In the windward work from Scotland to the turn Thistle was 

 badly beaten as under: 



Start. Turn. Finish. 



Volunteer 10 40 51 2 26 40 4 23 47 



Thistlo 10 40 21 3 41 00 4 35 12 



Minus 30b. 14 21 * 11 25 



The above table is official. Fractions of seconds are not con- 

 sidered in these times. Thistle got away 30s. ahead, At the turn, 

 she was 14m. 20s. astern. She had been beaten in the thrash by 

 14m. 50s. This is a round beating and deserves careful examina- 

 tion. 



All accounts, and there were scores of them published, agree 

 clearly that Thistle footed just as well and if anything a little 

 faster' than Volunteer. All likewise agree that Volunteer got in 

 her work through higher pointing and better fetching. The trouble 

 with Thistle was, then, not lack of speed through the water, but 

 lack of "weatherliness." That is, she failed to "hang on" like 

 Volunteer, and fell to leeward hand over fist in comparison. 



On the run home, Thistle made up the difference between 14.20 

 and 11.25. She gained down wind and reaching 2m. 55s. Allowing 

 that this does not truly represont superiority but was incidental 

 to the "safe and sure" policy pursued on board Volunteer, it will 

 be conceded that once more Thistlo proved herself at least as 

 good as the Boston flyer with "pointing and fetching" eliminated 

 from the issue. Thus, with free sheets, the results of the first 

 match are confirmed, and: 



1. TlHstle it as fast through the water ax Volunteer. 



2. Thistle, fails in fetching and pointing. 



Two definite conclusions are warranted from the foregoing: 



A. There is nothing wrong about the hull of the Thistle. Con- 

 sidered as a type of vessel, she has shown herself capable of attain- 

 ing the highest rate of speed through the water yet reached by any 

 American model, or modified American model like Volunteer. 



For, be it remembered, that type, is not a matter of mere outline, 

 but of main proportions, volumes, weights, and rig. Thistle's 

 sailing with free sheet demonstrates beyond cavil that Ler hull, 

 her body proper with its moderate beam, large displacement and 

 loaded keel can be driven at the same speed as Volunteer's lighter 

 body, and that With less canvas. 



B. The capacity to "point and fetch" does not depend upon the 

 type of a vessel, but primarily upon the plane of lateral resistance 

 and its distribution. 



Thistle is manifestly deficient in the area of her lateral immersed 

 plane for one thing, and for another, its distribution is not calcu- 

 lated to attain the best results. This fault is a specific shortcoming, 

 which has no connection with type,. It is a shortcoming fre- 

 quently noticed in boats of any type, and can be found in sloops 

 and half-breeds just as well as in the regular cutter. Had Volun- 

 teer been deficient in lateral area, had she been cut up too much 

 from heel of post to forefoot forward, she too would have failed in 

 high fetching just as we have seen Thistle do, and such a fault 

 would have been purely specific, and not a vice inherent in Volun- 

 teer's type of body proper. 



It is not intended here to offer "excuses" for Thistle's defeat, 

 aud I trust the reader will not look upon this review in such light. 

 It is sought to obtain a true explanation of the causes which lod 

 to Thistle s failure, in order that cause and effect may not be con- 

 founded, which would only becloud a clear understanding for the 

 future and create fiil.se standards. 



Thistle did not fad in looking and holding as high as Volunteer 

 because of her type, nor yet because of her heel. She failed for 

 "want ot sufficient lateral area and its best distribution. 



Volunteer did not succeed in looking and holding higher because 

 of her type, nor yet because of her board. She soaks a- weather 

 because she is supplied with enough lateral resistance and because 

 it is distributed along her length to best advantage. 



The difference between the two yachts in respect to climbing to 

 windward is one of Quantity of lateral resistance and not one of 

 the mechanical devices adopted in providing it. Least of all has 

 the question anything to do with the type of the hull. There is no 

 connection between form of body and aiea of lateral resistance, 

 since the latter is at the command of the designer to any extent 

 he wishes in yachts of any kind. 



CONCLUSION. 



It appears most likely that in seeking to minimize area of skin 

 exposed to friction, the lateral plane and gripe of Thistle have 

 been cut down below the requirements for "high fetching" m a 

 yacht of her large displacement and roundish middle body. 



That skin friction plays a part in resistance no one will deny, 

 but it is the general belief in America that while the skin should 

 be as smooth and slippery as pos-ible, too much stress is laid by 

 British designers upon the area exposed, and they put too much 

 reliance in data which are largely speculative so far as yacht 

 models are concerned. 



Thistle is for saie and it is to be hoped she will fall into the 

 hands of a fighting and intelligent person. 



Given Cin. more draft— it is now only 13ft. or thereabouts— and 

 carry the keel along further forward, sweeping up with a fuller 

 elbow in the forefoot, in short, follow the usual custom in cutters 

 like Vanduara, and I am confident that Thistle's shortcoming in 

 pointing could be totally effaced, in which case she may yet be- 

 come the fastest thing of her length ever floated. 



POPULAR ERRORS. 



Naturally enough the casual observer seizes with great avidity 

 upon the centerboard of Volunteer to explain all differences. It 

 is so much simpler to tell centerboard and keel apart, than to 

 weigh less easily perceived characteristics that the popular critic 

 is just now enthusiastic in behalf of an attribute which has really 

 no more to do with Volunteer's victory than the white paint on 

 her sides. 



All manner of prophesies are indulged in, and even our British 

 cousins are depicted upon the verge of clutching eagerly at the 

 board, while cutters are once again presumed to be effectually 

 killed, buried and funeral services closed. 



Unfortunately for such prophets, the cutter has been similarly 

 slaughtered upon previous occasions, and all England was to do 

 homage to the golden image, the centerboard sloop. But the 

 grand sommersault backward has never progressed beyond the 

 columns of uninformed public prints. Once upon a time, not 

 many years ago, when the cutter and cutter principles were still 

 in their swaddling clothes in America, danger lurked in the defeat 

 of a big cutter challenging for the Cup, But the cause of cutters 

 survived the critical era when Genes ta sailed away empty-handed, 

 and at once grew and flourished beyond expectations. The keel 

 was dutifully killed again when the stately Galatea met with no 

 better luck, and just now, with poor Thistle's defeat, totally mis- 

 interpreted, there is a fresh installment of vigorous killing under- 

 way. It is destined to be as barren of consequences as the 

 desperate assaults in the past. The cvttter has been too well 

 established in America by tnis time to need the coaching of an 

 "organ" nor yet the "moral suasion" which would have followed 

 the loss of the America Cup. Her prosperity is founded upon the 

 solid rock of natural selection. 



Practical yachtsmen, who follow the doings of a Clara or a 

 Pappoose as positive evidence, and the doings of an Anaconda or 

 a Gracie in negative support, are not likely to lose their heads in 

 premises which admit of such clear solution as the Thistle inter- 

 national matches. 



There need be no fear of a step in retrogression. The truth, as 

 set forth above, will prevail iu the long run, and the assimilation 

 of the sloop to the normal cutter will proceed without inter- 

 ruption. 



A FORECAST. 



The progressive development of the Burgess boats is exceedingly 

 instructive, and points the road for the future. His boats have 

 been successful exactly in the degree to which he departed from 

 the sloop and edged o er toward the cutter. 



Puritan was the first step in this direction, and she vanquished 

 the old order of sloops. 



Mayflower followed with a further approach to the cutter in her 

 greater draft, displacement and heavier keel. She in turn de- 

 feated Puritan. 



Finally comes Volunteer, surpassing Mayflower in her cutter 

 features, being another step nearer the regular cutter, and she 

 out-tops all previous efforts. 



No one understands better than Mr. Burgess that the possibili- 

 ties of the "half-and-half" type have been exhausted in Volunteer, 

 and that "out designing" will have to give place to "out-engineer- 

 ing." More ballast, lower ballast, deeper keel and more rig— the 

 cutter in place of the sloop— such is the only tool by which the 

 brave Volunteer's colors can be lowered. If not a cutter from 

 abroad, then a cutter of home manufacture. It is only a question 

 of time. Until she appears Volunteer is cock of the. wa*k, unless 

 Thistle falls into hands which will know how to get out of her 

 what there really is in her. C. P. Kunhardt. 



ULIDIA AND F ANITA . —The season will probaby close with a 

 race between these two boats, the one an extreme cutter and the 

 other an old-time sloop. The course is from Sands Point through 

 Long Island Sound, around Montauk Point and to a finish off 

 Sandy Hook Lightship for a f .TOO cup. The start will be made to- 

 morrow morning, aud with equal weather the race should be a 

 most important one, when the position of each boat as a represen- 

 tative of its type is considered, but such long races arc nearly 

 always marred by the chances of unequal weather or flukes, and 

 the results over this course in the past have been of little value. 



THE "LONDON TIMES" finds in Mr. C. P. Kunhai dt's book 

 "Small Yachts" a hint of the proportion yachting and yacht build- 

 ing havo now attained in America. It says: "A glance at a work 

 on American yachts and yachting, which lias lately been published, 

 will show what immense pains and skill the Americans devote to 

 the art of building fast sailing vessels. The truth is that with 

 them yacht racing is an even more serious and absorbing pursuit 

 than it is with Englishmen, and when an American devotes him- 

 self to a task of practical skill he is apt to be hard to beat in it." 



NORRLSTOWN. Pa., Oct. 3.— Montgomery Sailing Club, 19th 

 cruise. Course, Norriscown to Indian Creek and return, distance 

 Smiles. Wind very light at start, increasing to a fresh N.W. 

 breeze before the finish. The start was made at 8 A. M. 



Finish. Corrected. 



Priscilla 11 27 20 2 27 57 



Flving Eagle 11 33 10 2 33 10 



Gracie 11 45 15 2 86 12 



Bowers 11 37 35 2 36 35 



Josephine 11 37 50 2 37 15 



H C Scott 11 40 25 2 39 25 



Lulu U 40 20 2 40 09 



Cocktail. 11 13 10 2 42 10 



Iola Withdrew. 



Princess "Withdrew. 



Priscilla wins champion pennant. Judge, Fred Rochell. 



Imwm to (^omzyondent^ 



Address all communications to the Forest and Stream Pub, Co. 



&r~ No Notice Taken of Anonymous Correspondents. 



H. J. G.— The robin season on Long Island will open Nov. 1. 



Plover, Richmond, Ind.— The bird which you say was sent to 

 us for identification has never come to hand. 



W. H. D.— Will the automatic shrapnel shell scratch the bar- 

 rels in its exit? All the testimonials published are foreign, and if 

 it is in use in this country would like the experience of our own 

 people. Ans, We should not think it would scratch the. barrel. 

 Perhaps some of our readers may give their experience with it. 



