Dec. 19, 1889.] 



FOREST AND STREAM. 



441 



LARGE CLUB CANOES— As was predicted last summer, 

 when the big club canoe Uuk-ta-kee waB introduced at the A. C. 

 A. meet at Stave Island by the Toronto C. C. , it has introduced a 

 new branch of canoeing and one that we think will add very 

 much to the interest and sociability of the sport. It will intro- 

 duce a new phase in competition, and racing these craft will give 

 an opportunity for uniform and scientific training of crews. A 

 race between different clubs will be a very exciting feature. The 

 St. Lawrence River Skiff, Canoe and Steam Launch Co., of Clay- 

 ton, N.Y., anticipating the demand for these craft, sent a set, of 

 drawings to several different clubs for inspection and approval, 

 and have already received orders for three of them. 



BROOKLYN C. C— On Dec. 10 the Brooklyn C. C. held its annual 

 meeting. The reports of officers and committees showed the 

 club to be in a remarkably healthy condition. The subject of in- 

 corporation, which has been under consideration for some time, 

 was finally settled; and the necessary alterations to constitution, 

 etc.. were made, and trustees elected to govern an incorporated 

 club. Two of the members' carnp-nres have proven a success, 

 and it is expected to terminate the series with one at which the 

 club may entertain all their friends. It was decided to celebrate 

 the fifth anniversary in the customary manner, with a dinner on 

 Jan. 11. Officers elected for 1890: Com., R. J. Wilkin; Vice-Corn., 

 P. F. Hogan; Purser, M. V. Brookaw. 



GEORGIAN BAY AND ITS ISLANDS. 



POl NT OF D EPARTURE. -"Swarthmore Camps" (consisting of 

 a picturesque log cabin and cluster of tents), located on south- 

 west shore of Georgian Bay, nestled amid a most charming com- 

 pound of bill and dale, green forest, green glade and blue water. 

 " Craft.— Schooner yacht Christine, about 30ft. long, moderate 

 draft, with centerboard, not decked, except about 10ft. of a fore- 

 ca stle. 



Party.—]. The Captain and owner, a good amateur sailor. 2. 

 Will, who tried to pass himself off as an able seaman. 3. Jack, a 

 youth of seventeen, having no experience in sailing, but feeling 

 as large, and competent as anybody. 4. The Scribe, about whom 

 there is not much to be said, except that he was old enough to 

 know better. , . 



Destination.— Across the bay. and then as St might happen. 



Log.— First day (in August. '88). The Christine, sailed by the 

 Captain alone, came in from Meaford and cast anchor off the 

 camp about ft A. M. Stores got on board. The SUppI y of groceries 

 and provisions gave rise to impertinent inquiries of bystanders as 

 to a trading expedition to the Indians or opening a store among 

 the islands. Good-byes said, ail hands embarked, anchor up and 

 full sail set. Christian Island, our objective point, 26 miles off, 

 just, vi=ible. Wind fair, but light. All jubilant except the Scribe, 

 who is especially liable to seasickness on the slightest provoca- 

 tion. Captain steering and in general command. Crew not par- 

 ticularly obedient or respectful. Discipline loose in fact, but a 

 feeling pervading that the Captain knew what he was about, and 

 that it was best to do pretty nearly what he said, especially afteT 

 some of his gentle admonitions. 



When seven or eight miles out a thunderstorm appeared in the 

 northwest, coming down pretty rapidly. The wind also changed 

 some and freshened considerably. Before the storm came fully 

 upon us the Captain had all sails down except the jib, as there was 

 no telling what might come next. The shower passed and then 

 all was calm. The sails were still kept down, waiting for the ex- 

 pected squall. After a while a slight breeze sprangup, and think- 

 ing that was all there would be, the sails were again set. The 

 Scribe was given a lesson in steering by the compass, the sight of 

 land ahead having been obscured bv the passing thunder cloud. 

 While he was watching the tbiug and wondering why the needle 

 would persist in pointing in any but the right direction, the Cap- 

 tain shouted, '-Put her up to the wind." What that meant was 

 more than the Scribe could tell, but he guessed it had something 

 to do with the tiller, so he ga ve it a push over, fortunately the 

 right way. Just then something broke, and looking up, he saw 

 the mainsail wrapping itself around the mast, and the crew, 

 amid some excitement, trviug to get the foresail down. The 

 squall, or whirl wind, passed as quickly as it came, repairs were 

 soon effected, and we were under way again, with a, good breeze 

 on the beam. Then came time for lunch, which was duly attended 

 lo. Christian Island and main land of Tiny came into full view. 

 Made for the channel between them, and on past Beckwith's 

 Island and Giant's Tomb to the North Shore islands. 



The Christian Islands include the island of that name and Hope 

 and Beckwith islands, and these and the mainland opposite are 

 classic ground, as the scene of many of the occurrences so graph- 

 ically related by Parkman in the most interesting of his works. 

 The islands are still Indian la nds, and on the largest an IndiaD 

 village, though of a different tribe, keeps up the remembrance of 

 the former inhabitants. 



The sail along here was simply delightful, especially to a novice 

 in such sailing. Approaching and among the other islands sail 

 wa« shortened, as caution was required. The Captain attended 

 ro tiller, mainsail and jib. and Jack to the foresail. Will stood at 

 the bow looking out for sunken rocks, and the Scribe attended to 

 the centerboard. raising it when necessary to clear the rocks 

 b^low. What between breaking bis back liftiug that heavy iron 

 thing, and getting his head whacked by the boom when the "vessel 

 came about, every five minutes it seemed, he beean to think there 

 might be other things just as pleasant as sailing. Among the 

 more intricate channels, or with fresh wind, the foresail alone 

 was used. 



These islands are of all sizes and conditions, from bare rocks 

 just, showing in or above the water to niceiy-wooded ones of hun- 

 dreds or even thousands of acres. They are all of the same Lau- 

 rentian rock, some bare, but most nf them have alight covering 

 of soil, and vegetation wherever there is a chance for it. The 

 outlying ones are generally barren and bleak-looking, but as the 

 mainland is approached this appearance gradually changes to 

 verdure and beauty, and delightful vistas open up in every direc- 

 tion. How many islands there are it is impossible to say. Bou- 

 chetteis said to have charted 27,000. Double tbat number is a 

 modern estimate. 



After getting fairly in among the islands it was decided to lav 

 Up for the night. A landlocked bay was found and the yacht 

 safely moored. Provisions and cooking utensils were taken 

 ashore, a good fire made, supper cooked, heartily partaken of. 

 and, needless to say, enjoyed. All did their best, but in cooking 

 as in sailing the Captain was easily first. In the eating line there 

 were others just as able as he. For night quarters a light tent 

 was rigged extending from foremast to stern; excellent protection 

 under ordinary circumstances, but hardly sufficient to keep out 

 the storm that night. The Captain and Will bunked down in the 

 cockpit. Jack and the Scribe one on either side of the centerboard. 

 A thunderstorm that bad been threatening for some time came 

 on in full force soon after we had retired. It rained heavily, the 

 wind blowing in all directions. The tent was hardly wide enough 

 amidships, and the rain, beating on the deck edge, was driven in- 

 side. Jack was first to grumble, and was discovered trying to 

 keep off the wet with his tarpaulin. Presently the Scribe was 

 engaged in the same way, and finally both took refuge, in the fore- 

 castle. The lap-lapping Of the water against the vessel's side, 

 within a few inches of his head, was a new sensa'ion to the 

 Scribe, but. it soon assumed a rhythmic form and sent him to 

 sleep, instead of keeping him awake, as he first feared. A differ- 

 ent tune was thus played every night, each haying its own sooth- 

 ing effect as soon as the particular rhythm or cadence was caught 

 hold of. 



Second Day —Morning fine and clear. Landed, cooked and ate 

 breakfast. While tent and dunnage were drying, the Captain 

 took the small boat to look for a channel, and the others rambled, 

 over the island, a large one, in unsuccessful search for huckle- 

 berries. Got under way in due season, haste not having any show 

 on this cruise. Found the steamboat channel. Stopped a little 

 while at Musk oka Wharf, an uninhabited landing where goods 

 are left for Musquash Mills and such campers as may be among 

 the neighboring islands. Followed the channel for a few miles, 

 and then the Captain determined to find a. (to bim) new way into 

 the Musquash, the chief mouth of the Muskuka River. There 

 was no direct channel or course; we just threaded our way, keep- 

 ing as near the desired direction as the maze of islands would 

 allow. In no place could we see more than 100 or 200yds. ahead, 

 and a choice between two or more apparent openings had con- 

 tinually to be made. At length we met some canoes going to the 

 "wharf ," and felt we were near the right course. Further con- 

 firmation was given by meeting a tug. The Scribe, who was 

 steering, asked the Captain which side of the channel to take. He 

 replied, "She (the tug) will let you know which side to go on; if 

 one whistle, to the left; if two, to the right." Just then two 

 whistles sounded clear and distinct. The Scribe, who for the 

 moment apparently thought himself on board the tug, at once 

 turned toward her right, but soon recovered himself uuder the 

 mild remonstrance of the Captain, and the passing was safely 

 effected. At length open water was reached, beyond* which the 

 mills and village appeared. The yacht was anchored pear the 



shore, the Scribe left on board to watch, and the rest took the 

 boat and went over to the village. 



All went well for a time, until a good breeze sprung up. The 

 attention of the Scribe, who had been taking it very comfortably 

 was attracted by a neighboring raft of logs, which appeared to he 

 moving against the wind. The movement, increasing, a more ex- 

 tended survey was made, when he found it was the yacht that 

 was moving, the anchor having dragged. He then let down the 

 centerboard and steered toward the village where the others were. 

 All together again, the yacht was moored to the shore, and we 

 landed for lunch. As to meals generally, we had a hot breakfast 

 and supper, cooked and eaten on shore, with coffee or tea and a 

 cold lunch at noon, with lemonade. The Captain and Will did 

 most of the cooking, Jack attended to the fluid comforts, and the 

 Scribe, well, he always managed to be on hand when meals were 

 ready. 



Lunch over, the Captain and Scribe visited the mills and spent 

 some time there and at the village, leaving the boys to clear up. 

 Sail was then again made, and we took the broader and more 

 direct channel for the outer islands. Sailing nicely along, we had 

 not got as far as we intended to go that night, when a well shel- 

 tered bay, with a sandy beach attracted the Captain's attention, 

 and there he determined to stay, though still rather early in the 

 afternoon. Bathing was indulged in, and after supper Jack and 

 the Scribe took the boat to troll for pike or bass. They did not 

 catch any fish, but did find among the islands some of the most 

 beautiful spots imaginable. One in particular they stayed long 

 to admii'e. It was a rather deeply indented angle or bay in a 

 large island, with small islands opposite. Op these and the larger 

 island the trees and shrubs came down in various shades of green 

 to the water's edge, the white birch poles and graceful foliage 

 showing on the higher ground. Between the islands were vistas, 

 some extending quite a. distance, of still waters hemmed in by 

 green hanks, broken here and there by brown or gray rock. The 

 lights and shadows from the setting sun added to the beauty of 

 the scene, and the perfectly still water gave back everything eo 

 distinctly that it was difficult to trace tho line between reality 

 and reflection. The Scribe has often regretted, and then more 

 than ever, bis inability to sketch from nature. But no sketch, or 

 photograph, or description could do the subject justice. 



Third Da?/.— This, like all the rest, was full of interest and en- 

 joyment, but of our proceedings there is little to note. We sailed 

 quietly along toward Parry Sound, dodging in and out among the 

 islands or out to open water as whim or fancy suggested. Met 

 the steamer Maxwell on her daily trip from Parry Sound to Pene- 

 tang and Midland. Rounded Moose Point, a spur of the mainland 

 reaching out through the islands almost to the open lake, as if to 

 find outior itself what the latter was like. Passed a party fishing 

 from a rocky inlet, who very ungallantly read the name of our 

 trim little craft as "Chestnuts." Lunched on one of the outer 

 reefs. Callod at a few camps on the islands. Visited a fishing 

 establishment and saw the men unloading the day's catch, 

 brought from the nets set far out in the lake. Admired their 

 vessel, a long two-masted open boat, graceful in form, said to be 

 quite safe, and with its deep centerboard, capable of sailing very 

 close to the wind. Finally the Captain saw a place to his liking, 

 and there we stayed for the night. 



Our location was on a large island, chiefly a mass of gray 

 granite, with some patches of soil and small timber and shrub- 

 bery. Before us was the steamboat channel, 200 or 300yds. wide. 

 Directly opposite, the white tents of a party, said to be from 

 Pittsburgh, made a picturesque addition to the scene. Further 

 on were two small houses occupied by Torontonians, and near the 

 latter a tug lay at anchor, wind-bound with her tow of logs. This 

 was tho only night during our cruise that we had anybody but 

 ourselves within sight or hearing. 



A nice boat on the beach near us caused some speculation as t o 

 its occupants and their whereabouts. Afterward a party of ladies 

 appeared with pails of huckleberries gathered on our island. 

 They had some difficulty in getting the boat launched, when 

 Will's native gallantry overcame his diffidence and he rushed to 

 their assistance, shoved off the boat and handed them in with all 

 the grace of a Chesterfield. But he was so overpowered hy the 

 thanks and gracious smiles of the fair ones that his appetite for 

 supper was taken away and bis sleep so disturbed that the Cap- 

 tain lay awake a great part of the night watching him for fear of 

 an attempt to emulate Leander or perform some other desperate 

 exploit. 



Some boating was done, as well as some bathing and some 

 rambling about the island. In the evening the moonlit scene 

 was beautiful, and interest was added by the passing of the Max- 

 well and her slowing up to land visitors or supplies for the camp 

 opposite. 



Fourth Day— Took things very leisurely in the morning. De- 

 bated for some time whether to start for home or go to Parry 

 Sound, eight or ten miles further on, and finally chose the latter. 

 After going two or three miles, a clear channel opening out to the 

 lake was a. temptation the Captain could not resist, the rest 

 yielded without demur, and the bow of the Christine was turned 

 homeward. The wind was fair enough, but the Scribe soon found 

 the open water too rough for his comfort, and, out of deference to 

 his feelings, the shelter of the islands was again sought. Enter- 

 ing hy the Haystacks, a tpair of rocks somewhat of that shape, 

 we passed a, large American encampment on an island near where 

 the remains of the ill-fated Waubuno lie. The Captain had never 

 been at the Moon River, and having learned the approximate dis- 

 tance and compass bearing, he determined to try for it. This was, 

 perhaps, the most pleasant sail of all. It was like sailing through 

 a series of small lakes and short channels. The lakes had a simi- 

 larity to each other in limited expanse of water, irregularly out- 

 lined by green banks, broken here and there by rocks, and with 

 higher trees beyond; but each was different from all the rest, and 

 had its own peculiar beauty, which for the time appeared to sur- 

 pass that of the others. Uncertainty as to the course gave addi- 

 tional zest to the sail, and interest, then and throughout the croise, 

 was kept up by Will's numerous inquiries in search of informa- 

 tion, and the prompt, though not always strictly relevant, replies 

 of the Captain. Jack had by this time developed into a first-class 

 sailor, and no doubt feels perfectly fitted to take command of a 

 full-rigged ship. The Scribe was also getting along nicely, having 

 learned how to dodge the boom and be out of the way when the 

 centerboard had to be lifted. 



Having at last reached something that looked like the mouth of 

 a river, the yacht was moored in a side channel and the Captain 

 and Scribe went forward to explore. After going for a mile or so 

 they found open water and other channels, and that the mainland 

 and river were still some distance off. On returning, they found 

 also that the boys had taken their lunch and had eaten all the 

 Scribe's apple sauce, which he had taken so much trouble to make 

 on the evening before. They attempted to cover their crime by 

 pretending that it had got lost in their effort to keep it cool in the 

 water. 



Proceeding further, we found one of the fire wardens encamped 

 on a small island. These men are employed by the government, 

 and spend their time traversing the forest in all directions, 

 watching and warning campers and settlers, and generally on the 

 lookout to prevent forest fires, sometimes so terribly destructive. 

 He had came down Moon River alone in his canoe, reporting 

 twenty-seven portages in twenty-five miles. From him we learned 

 that wo were on the right course, and soon after we reached the 

 river itself and went up to the first fall. It was not much of a 

 river, as the greater part of the water was diverted to the main- 

 stream, or Musquash, but we had the satisfaction of finding it. 

 The warden joined us, and after the locality was duly examined, 

 entertained us until supper time from his stores of information 

 as to forest, stream and lake. After supper the Captain determ- 

 ined to work out of the river. The task was a difficult one, as 

 the wind was dead ahead, but was at last skillfully accomplished. 

 It was then almost dark, the trees shut out the light of the rising 

 moon, and there was some trouble in getting the vessel moored 

 for the night. That done, the tent was soon put up, and all re- 

 tired and slept souudly. 



Fifth Day.— Up early and off, as the wind, though light, was 

 fair, and not likely to continue so. After we had gone a couple of 

 miles or so, it failed altogether for the time, so we anchored and 

 prepared for breakfast. Just then the warden turned up again 

 and suggested fresh fish. He thought it a shame not to have 

 them when they were all around anxious to be caught, and vol- 

 unteered to get some for us. We lent bim trolling tackle, and 

 almost as soon as the fire was ready he had an abundant supply, 

 more than we could use, of pike and bass. 



By the time bathing and breakfasting was over the wind sprang 

 up again, almost dead ahead, and we started on our homeward 

 way. the warden accompanying us. Observing a smoke in the 

 woods he bade us good-bye, and went to reconnoitre. Soon after 

 we met a party of ladies and gentlemen in boats and canoes, led 

 by an Indian guide. The countenance of the latter plainly showed 

 his disgust, at seeing a yacht sailing along where he tried to con- 

 vince his patrons that nothing but a small boat could go, and not 

 even that, unless guided by him. About this time the Scribe was 

 in a state of deep dejection at having lost overboard his hunting 

 knife, a much prized present from the Northwest. His .-satisfac- 

 tion at its recovery was all that saved the juveniles from being 

 pitched overboard in punishment for practical joking and want 

 of respect for gray hairs. 



Going about, on one of our numberless short tasks, a shout 

 cajjed our attention to the warden, who was doing his best to 



overtake us.lThe smoke he had gone to see about was from the 

 remains of a camp fire, and he had got there in time to prevent 

 its spreading. He was trying to catch us to return our trolling 

 line. We took him aboard and towed bis canoe to near the outer 

 islands, where he left us, and we saw bim no more. 



Outside the islands tho wind was not favorable for an attempt 

 to cross the lake, so we headed for the Western Islands, about 

 twelve miles off. When within about four miles of these the 

 wind fell altogether and we lay becalmed. We anchored and 

 waited for the wind, which did not come. Then the Captain and 

 Scribe took the boat and rowed to the islands. These are a clus- 

 ter of rocky islands, mostly barren, lying away outside the other 

 islands. Four or five may be half an acre or more in extent, the 

 rest smaller, down to a mere speck. We estimated the highest at 

 70ft,., and they are of all heights from that down to reefs at or be- 

 low the water line. Only one is wooded. It is truly a scene of 

 desolation, but the view is magnificent, for all that. These islands 

 are the summer home of hundreds of gulls, which resented our 

 intrusion by almost deafening screams. 



After a couple of hours there came enough wind to enable the 

 boys to bring the yacht into the small and not. very secure harbor 

 between the larger islands. Climbing the rocks and enjoying the 

 view; rifle target shooting and generally harmless shooting at the 

 gulls, to say nothing of preparing and demolishing supper, put in 

 the evening very pleasantly. All retired in good time, Jack and 

 the Scribe to sleep soundly, not so the others. During the night 

 the wind came on to blow hard, with changing direction, and the 

 Captain and Will were on the watch, together or alternately. 

 nearly all night. All that the Scribe noticed was a quickening of 

 the tune played by the waves near his head. 



Sixth Day.—Vv early and anxious to be off. Wind dead ahead 

 and lake, rather rough. Captain decided it would not be prudent 

 to attempt t o cross the lake, and suggested running down to the 

 Christian Islands- This was at once agreed to, as the idea of 

 staying over among these rocks was not at all pleasant. Soon 

 after starting the wind began to shift around to the northwest, 

 and the Captain kept as close as he cnnld, hoping he might yet be 

 able to reach home that day. The wind freshened somewhat and 

 all was going on nicely, the. yacht keeping well up and making 

 good headway, when all at once there was a crash, and the fore- 

 mast with sail and jib disappeared over the side. Things looked 

 rather bad for the moment, but the Captain soon took in the 

 situation, and by his exertions, ably assisted by the boys acting 

 upon his gentle suggestions, and all encouraged by the Scribe's 

 serene contemplation of their efforts, the wreckage was got on 

 board after a good deal of trouble. 



We then drifted down under reefed mainsail only to Hope 

 Island Lighthouse for repairs. Obtaining tools there the mast 

 was re- stepped, some 5ft. shorter than before, rigging set up and 

 sails re-set. It was then about noon, most of the: crew had worked 

 pretty hard, and all were hungry. The boys set out their very 

 best, spread for lunch. In addition to this the good lady of the 

 lighthouse sent us some line f resh fish, cooked to a turn, and pies 

 and fresh homemade bread. A right royal meal was enjoyed, 

 and the whole party joined in certifying Hope Island Light a 

 good place to be shipwrecked near, at, least while the present 

 occupants are. iu possession. 



After resting a while the Captain suggested sailing down between 

 the islands to Christian Island Light. This was soon done, and 

 then came the question whether to attempt the open lake or not. 

 The Captain wished to get home. Will was cautious and doubt- 

 ful. Jack apparently anxious for the excitement, and the Scribe, 

 looking out on the rolling waves, thought of his weakness, and 

 prepared to submit to the inevitable and endure a few hours of 

 misery and rather sided with the Captain. 



Everything being close reefed, we set out, Will alone protesting. 

 The wind was a point or two before the beam and kept in- 

 creasing, but so gradually that it was hard to say when the gale, 

 for such it came to be at last, actually began. The wind hie w 

 more and more fiercely and the waves rolled higher and higher 

 and we found ourselves in one of the worst of the summer storms 

 for which Georgian Bay is famous. After a short time even the 

 reefed sails were too much, the jib and mainsail were stowed and 

 we went on under reefed foresail alone, and making good time at 

 that. The way that the yacht, under the skillful guidance of the 

 Captain, would climb one side of a wave apparently many times 

 higher than itself and gracefully slide down the other was some- 

 thing wonderful to behold. A wave, higher than its fellows, 

 would come rushing madly on, with top curled into foam and 

 threatening to engulf our seemingly defenseless craft, so that 

 escape from destruction appeared impossible. But as it came on 

 tiie vessel would rise to it, higher and higher as the wave came 

 Closer until the top would be reached, and the yacht shake itself 

 clear with a bound as of satisfaction or triumph, and the wave, 

 as if disappointed with its prey, would hurl its combing at us in a 

 final despairing effort. Even these high waves had something 

 like a rhythm of their own, a maximum and minimum of height 

 in apparently regular time, the lowest, however, quite high 

 enough for all practical purposes. The Scribe regrets that he did 

 not think of counting the waves in several of these periods, as he 

 believes the numbers would correspond either altogether or al- 

 ternating at regular intervals. Very little water was shipped 

 and bailing was not required, though we all were thoroughly 

 wetted by the splashes from the combing waves and somewhat 

 chilled by' the wind and wet. 



The Captain tended the tiller and Will the foresail sheet. The 

 latter, more cautious or timid than the former, wonld ease the 

 Bheel off as far as he dared under the watchful eye of the Captain. 

 When it would go too far the Captain would mildly suggest haul- 

 ing the sail closer, and Will, after making a great show of com- 

 plying, would gradually let the sheet slip until the sail was again 

 as far out as ever. 



The boat had to be hauled close to prevent i ts swamping, and 

 as it was. some of the. provisions and cooking apparatus kept in it 

 were washed out. The trolling line, which the warden had thrown 

 into the boat, was also swept out, but the hook caught in some 

 way, the line unwound, and the stick to which it was fastened 

 came skipping over the waves 30 or 40yds. astern. Strange to saj\ 

 the seasickness which the Scribe so much dreaded, did not even 

 hint its presence. The Captain explained that old Neptune him- 

 self dare not undertake the contract of removing that lunch laid 

 in at the lighthouse. This may be a useful hint for some who go 

 down to the sea in ships. 



The gale kept on increasing in violence, and when we got safely 

 in between the piers at Meaford the waves were dashing high over 

 them. Our vessel had been seen and recognized while still a long 

 way out, and many were at the harbor anxiously watching our 

 progress. Dry clothing and a hot supper put an end to the tem- 

 porary discomfort, and no memories of the cruise were left save 

 pleasant ones 



Before closing, another word may be said about the islands. 

 The scenery among them is in many places surpassingly beauti- 

 ful, but there is nothing of the sublime and grand about it. None 

 of the islands are high, few, perhaps none, reaching over 100ft. 

 There is simply the ever-varying and ever-pleasing combination 

 of water, wood and rock. For boating or camping parties it would 

 be difficult to find a fairer spot. Weeks upon weeks could be 

 spent among these islands, with daily or hourly changes of scene, 

 and always with smooth water. Fishing is said to be good in 

 many places. One drawback is the want of good, safe bathing 

 iaqflities, nice sandy beaches being few and far between. And 

 there would not be much satisfaction in a deep-draft yacht, as it 

 would be confined to the principal channels. But even with suoh 

 a yacht, used as a floating home, and plenty of boats or canoes to 

 go around with, a capital time covld be had. S, 



NEW YORK Y. C— The special meeting of the New York Y. C . 

 for a final action on the report of the Measurement Committee 

 was held on Dec. 13, with Com. Gerry in the chair. The attend- 

 ance, especially of yacht owners, the only voting members, was 

 quite small. The first proposal of the committee, to adopt the 

 Seawanhaka formula in place of that, now used by the club, was 

 adopted by a vote of 16 to 1. The other proposals relating to de- 

 tails of measurement and to the allowance tables, were also r - 

 ried. The proposal to class by corrected instead of \v-^rime 

 lems'h was briefly discussed. The report of the Ea«- --f,' 1 / ■ \ v r as 

 read, but no action was taken on it. A letter read trom Mr. 

 Burgess in connection with the report. <?r'POaing the proposed 

 classification on the basis of the Scawanbaka rule; and also a let- 

 ter from. Mr. N. G. Herreshoff strongly supporting the. proposed 

 classification, and advocating even a heavier tax on sail than mat 

 proposed by the committee. After the. discussion a vote was 

 taken, and the proposal to class by corrected length was not car- 

 ried. The same committee was continued as a standing commit- 

 tee to confer with other clubs in regard to a uniform classification 

 and measurement rule. 



YONKERS COR. Y. C. 1890.— Com., Alanson J. Prime; Vice- 

 Corn., A! bert Skinner; See., William Clark: Treas., Halcyon Skin- 

 ner; Fleet Captain, Howard Clapp: A. J. Prime,Thomas E. Booth 

 and John Thorne, delegates to the New York Y. R. A. 



YONKERS Y. C. 1890— Com., Charles T. Mercer: Vioe.-Com., 

 Da-iid Stewart; Corresponding Sec, Herbert Shipnian; Financial 

 Sec, W. H. Devon, and Treas. John Noshitt. 



CAPT. WM. SMCTH.— On Dec. 15 Capt. Wm. Smith 7 of t'ne 

 schooper Montauk, died at his home in Brooklyn, 



