Aprh, 13, 1901.I 
FOREST AND STREAM. 
29S 
the quickest thing in the keel type ever seen in these 
waters, and that is saying a great deal. 
After this maneuvering Skipper Pynchon steered for 
tlie open sea, looking for more wind and rougher water, 
and his search was rewarded. The wind was blowing a 
good capful, but the IlHnois only bent into it a little more 
and began to run through a fleet of fishermen. She left 
them with ease, although one of the fastest, the Edna 
Perry, spread every kite and tried to hold the saucy little 
wonder, which carried four-fifths less sail. The fisher- 
men were not downcast at being vanquished by such a 
diminutive opponent, for with cheers,- horns and bells they 
gave her a sailor's welcome that also carried warm wishes 
for success. 
The Illinois remained outside about four hours, going 
through every point of sailing on and of¥ the wind, and 
gave the same satisfaction as in the lighter air. She re- 
turned to her mooring at Lawley's, where Mr. Crown- 
iiishield and Mr. Pynchon had a consultation over a few 
minor changes in arrangement of rigging, which were 
made very easil}"-. The boat was then formally accepted. 
It was remarked by many who have seen the boats that 
the Illinois is a miniature Independence. She has the 
flattest of flat floors. If the big one only shows as great 
superiority over the 90-footers as the Illinois promises 
to develop in her contests, the America Cup will again 
be defended by a Boston boat. ' 
Mr. Pynchon can hardly find words to express his 
gratification at the showing made by the Illinois. He ex- 
pected a fast boat, as Boston men designed and built 
her, but she is far superior to his anticipations, he said: 
If she does not win he will be the most surprised man 
in Chicago. He, of course, does not say that it is a 
"cinch" for the Illinois, but it is beyond his comprehen- 
sion what kind of a boat can be built to defeat her. He 
is sure the club which he represents will be proud of the 
Illinois. 
The Cruise of the Foam. 
In our latitude the weather in May is generally so un- 
reliable that few owners of power boats care to go in 
commission before the first days of June. 
Should there be, however, any desirous of making an 
early start, this short account of a cruise of the Foam to 
Annapolis, Md., where May is usually very pleasant, and 
her return later to Shelter Island, may prove of interest. 
Annapolis ?Iarbor has already^ become the resort of 
steam yachts during the graduating exercises at the U. S. 
Naval Academy. If my yarn induces some power boat 
owner to take the same trip, I believe he will be amply 
repa'd. 
The Foam is a 42ft. cabin naphtha launch of the regular 
Gas Engine and Power Company type, with a 12-h.p. en- 
gine, She was put overboard at Morris- Heights at the 
beginning of May, and after several preliminary trials to 
ascertain whether all was in order, was provisioned and 
prepared for her contemplated trip. 
The crew consisted of the Skipper, a seasoned sea 
dog; of Billy, who was unseasoned and had no great 
fondness for the water, and of Edward, styled Ed for 
short, who filled the billets of engineer and cook. 
On the morning of Saturday, May 8, Billy and the 
Skipper arrived at Morris Heights with their traps and 
found the Foam ready for the start. The valises were 
stowed away, the naphtha and water tanks filled up, the 
remaining stores and also the many little odds and ends 
that seem to be always omitted until the last minute- were 
taken on board; then at 10:40 A. M. the Foam left the 
dock and stood to the northward through the Harlem 
River, a hand from the shops acting as pilot as far as 
Spuyten Duyvil, On reaching that point we found the 
bridge down,' so ran up to the trestle, landed our_ pilot, and, 
after waiting some time for a. belated train, passed 
through the draw and into the Hudson River,, bound 
south. 
Everything promised a fair trip, the barometer being 
steady at 30.28, the sky clear though hazy, and a gentle 
breeze blowing from the N.N.E. Tide, flood. 
At noon the Foam was oflf io6th street, keeping as much 
out of the tide as possible, dodging tugs, tows, steamers 
and ferry boats as the need presented itself. The Battery 
was reached just at the turn of the tide. As the sea was 
smooth, the Skipper steered for the Narrows, deeming it 
better to pass outside of Staten Island, under the cir- 
cumstances, rather than through the Kills. 
Past the Statue of Liberty went the Foam, then by Bay 
Ridge (at this season without its usual complement of 
yachts) . close around the end of the wharf at Fort Tomp- 
kins and along the shore of Staten Island. As the engme 
was running smoothly and well, Ed started up a fire and 
soon had a piping hot bowl of ox-tail soup on the table, 
with Gold roast beef, baked potatoes, bread, butter and 
crackers, for our dinner. Ed then relieved the wheel 
while the Skipper and Billy set to with fine appetites to 
do justice to the fare. 
At 4:11 P. M. the Foam was abreast of the Great Beds 
Light, standing for the mouth of the Raritan, and at 
4:40 passed under the railroad bridge and up the river, 
fighting a strong ebb. . 
This being new ground to the whole party, the Skipper 
was obliged to trust entirely to the chart, the study of 
which, the steering and the desire to take in the landscape 
kept hands and eyes quite busy. After many a twist and 
turn, at 7 we locked into the Delaware & Raritan Canal 
at New Brunswick. 
Though late, the Skipper decided to seek a more quiet 
berth to tie up, for canal boatmen are not always pleasant 
neighbors, especially of a Saturday night, so he ran on 
to Lock No. 12. and in tlie stretch above, near Bridge No. 
25. at 8 P. M. the Foam was m.ade fast to the bank. 
Barometer 30.18. 
SUNDAY^ MAY Q. 
Clear, cool and pleasant; barometer at 8 A. M- 30.10. 
That so fi-ne a day could not be utilized seemed a pity, but 
both Delaware & Raritan and Delaware & Chesapeake 
canals are closed to traffic from Saturday at midnight 
until 12 of the following night. 
The Skipper and Billy spent the mornmg quietly on 
board, and toward noon walked up the tow path about a 
mile and a half into Bound Brook. They had a look 
around the town and finally sat down to dinner at the 
best hotel the place afforded, but ftfterward regretted 
m they hfi4 mi diii^d 90 bo^j-d 
The barometer continued to fall slowly during the day ; 
the sky also clouded over slightly. 
MONDAY, MAY 10. 
The day opened calm and pleasant, but hazy, cirro- 
cumulus and cirro-stratus clouds with hard, oily looking 
edges showing on the western horizon. Barometer at 
5 A. M. 29,78. 
At S:io the Foam's head was shoved of¥ from the 
bank; Ed had been stationed aft with a boat hook to 
push her stern well out, but was so taken up with a pretty 
girl in a market wagon that he neglected to do so. On 
starting the engine a propeller blade struck a projecting 
stone; the jar aroused Ed, who then, to the great amuse- 
ment of the girl, shoved oflf so vigorously that he nearly 
fell overboard. 
The Foam was passing Trenton at noon, it being then 
very hazy and the barometer still marking 29.78. Reach- 
ing Bordentown at i P. M., we locked out of the canal 
into the Delaware. 
A telegram was sent to the home folks to apprise them 
of our whereabouts, and then the launch started down 
the river with a fair tide. Wind, W.S.W., blowing in 
squalls that were at times quite fresh, the weather warm 
with a great deal of haze, while the clouds banking to 
the westward looked threatening. As we worked down 
stream the squalls increased in frequency and force, they 
and the tide being contrary, causing a short, ugly cross 
sea, in which the boat at times pounded heavily. 
The strong tide and rougli sea made an attempt to land 
just below Torresdale dangerous. Notwithstanding all 
our care, the boat struk the wharf, but fortunately with- 
out injury. Billy found it impossible to hold on unaided, 
yet both engine and wheel required our constant atten- 
tion to prevent accident. The Skipper therefore gaA^e it 
up, backed off and continued down the river. 
The barometer had not marked 29.78 all day for nothing. 
The clouds that had banked to the westward were now 
rising rapidly, and it was evident that we were to have a 
heavy squall. Being then north of the railway bridge, the 
skipper decided to run in, anchor among some j^achts near 
shore and ride out the blow. Fortunately he noted their 
bearing per compass and the set of the tide, for before 
the Foam could reach her berth the squall struck her. 
coming very heavy and with blinding rain. Thanks to 
the precautions noted above, the launch fetched in among 
the yachts, where, dropping our heaviest anchor, we 
veered our line almost to the bitter end. 
The downpour of rain completely killed the sea, and the 
river was soon as smooth as a mill pond. About an hour 
later it began to clear, and the tide changed to flood. 
During the slack water, on account of the long scope at 
which we were riding, while the other yachts were 
moored, it required care to avoid fouling our neighbors. 
At 5:15, though still drizzling, we got under way and 
continued down the river, passing Philadelphia and the 
League Island Navy Yard, where could be seen the battle- 
ship Iowa lying at the wharf. 
Here we were made the victims of a practical joke 
that might have entailed serious consequences. The river 
being nearly clear of shipping and perfectly smooth, Ed 
put dinner 011 the table ; not far from us was a large 
tug, crossing the river from Red Bank, and apparently 
bound into the SchuA'lkill. 
This tug, if she kept her course, wottid pass well astern 
of the Foam, so no further attention was paid her, and 
Ed went forward to relieve the wheel. After taking a 
look at the chart, the Skipper and Billy sat down to a 
bowl of scalding hot soup, which they were unable to eat 
immediately. The next instant, above the noise of the 
engine, was heard the rush of water. Through the after 
doorway we caught a glimpse of a tug close astern. Jump- 
ing up, the Skipper rushed into the pilot house and 
grabbed the wheel ; Billy hurried aft. With the whole 
river before her, that tug had altered her course so as to 
cross not 5ft. from us, her bow wave tossing our stern 
high in air and making us roll deeply, the engine racing 
badly. This upset the table, threw tlie scalding soup over 
the seat we had vacated but a few seconds before, smashed 
some dishes, while the tender on the roof broke adrift 
and went sliding down to leeward. With a jeer from her 
crew the tug ported her helm and stood away for the 
Schuylkill, having lost half a mile for the sake of per- 
petrating that jobe. 
Had the Foam not been an excellent sea boat she might 
have swamped or upset and the lives of her crew been 
endangered, all for a senseless joke. 
We righted matters, opened a new can of soup, and, a.s 
soon as it was hot, finished our meal in not the best of 
tempers. 
The Foam passed Chester in the twilight, Wilmington 
and New Castie during the night. Finally at 11 :i5 P. M., 
having made a long day of it, we dropped anchor on the 
Bulkhead Shoal, north of Pea Patch Island, within the 
red sector of Finn's Point rear light, and just south of 
the line of the New Castle range. 
Having thus secured quite a safe berth, we hoisted our 
riding light, made all snug for the night and turned in. 
TUESDAY^ MAY II. 
The day dawned clear and pleasant, with a light breeze 
from the N.W, At 5 A. M. called all hands ; the barom- 
eter was then 29.90 and rising. Got under wa}^ at 5 :40 
and stood for Delaware City, which was reached at 7 
A. M., where the Foam locked into the Delaware & 
Chesapeake Canal. We landed at this quaint old town to 
purchase fresh bread and a few other necessaries, starting 
awajr at 7:30. 
At 8 we entered St. George's lock. From this point 
the scenery is wild and bold — for a canal, that is, all 
things in life being relative. Reached Chesapeake City 
at 9 :4s, where we locked out into Back Creek. The 
channel of this creek being changeable and the chart un- 
reliable, the Skipper thought it advisable to take a pilot, 
especially as it was dead low water. A boatman was 
soon found, and under his guidance we started of? at 10 
A. M. The weather was then partly cloudj'- and hazy, with 
light airs from the S.E. ; barometer 29.98. At 10 :40 
dropped our pilot at Bohemia Manor Avharf and stood 
down the Elk River, Turkey Point Light bore abeam at 
11:35, and we then entered the Chesapeake, standing to 
the southward against a flood tide. 
Spesutie Island, with its gun club, was left t<^ the 
Ofl past S^ssi^f^^s p.i¥f;i|-. fQcle's Island. ''Tgl- 
chester Beach (then getting ready for its summer visitors) 
and the mouth of the Patapsco went the Foam. 
During the afternoon we had southerly airs ; the weather 
was warm and sultry, with an occasional sprinkle of rain. 
At 4 P. M. sighted Sandy Point Light ahead. An 
hour's run brought the State House dome, Annapolis, to 
view. Soon the Foam was passing close to the bug light 
off Greenbury's Point, and after saluting the keeper, made 
for Spa Creek. At 5 :4s, after tooting awlnile with the fog- 
horn, the draw was opened, and five minutes later we 
dropped anchor off Boucher's boathouse. 
The Dinghy was soon lowered, Billy and the Skipper 
stepped in and Ed rowed them ashore. 
The ladies of the party, who shirked the discomforts 
of a long trip when possible, were already in Annapohs • 
to the Skipper it was familiar and oft-trodden ground. 
The reader might a.sk, Has Annapolis anything to offer 
a prospective visitor during the latter part of May which 
he could not find in any other town of like size? 
Yes ; it has. There is the U. S. Naval Academy with 
its park^Hke grounds, monuments and buildings, also new 
buildings now in process of erection that will be a credit 
to the nation; morning and evening concerts by a fine 
band; 'practice ships and others, one of which, the 
Gloucester, won for herself and commander undying fame 
ofif Santiago de Cuba; other relics are also there of that 
Spanish-American war which was not even dreamt of at 
the time of our visit. A State Capitol that saw many 
scenes of the American Revolution, and in which Wash- 
ington resigned his commission ; St. John's College ; also 
luaiiy old colonial residences, the counterparts of some of 
those mentioned in "Richard' Carvel." 
Then the surrounding scenery is fine. There are beauti- 
ful stretches of water for the yachtsman ; the harbor itself, 
the Severn River with Round Bay at its head, the Chesa- 
peake, South and West rivers, the Magothy and Patapsco 
rivers to the north, and many points of interest on the 
Eastern Shore can also be visited from Annapolis as a 
base. . 
In the afternoons the drilis at the U. S. N. A., both 
ashore and afloat, occupy> ft^td deserve a large share of 
attention. 
I would warn possible visitors, however, that as gradua- 
tion day approaches the town fills up with friends and 
relatives of the cadets. He who comes late and without 
having pre-empted a lodging may find himself without a 
place wherein to lay his head. 
The programme of exercises during the annual ex- 
amination of 1897 is here given: 
Monday J May 31. 
10:4s A. M. — Reception of the Board of Visitors. 
3:00 P. M. — Seamanship drill (Monongahela) , 
6:30 P. M. — Dress parade. 
Tuesday, June i. 
9:00 A. M.— Battle drill afloat (Standish and boats). 
10:30 A. M. — Target practice (Standish). 
3 :oo P. M. — Machine-shop drill. 
6:30 P. M. — ^Dress parade. 
Wednesday, June 2. 
9:00 A. M. — Battalion of artillery. 
3:00 P. M.— Boat drill. 
6:30 P. M. — Dress parade. 
Thursday, June 3. 
9:00 A. M. — Battalion of infantry. 
3 :oo P. M. — Fencing, setting up and gymnastics. 
6 :30 P. M. — Dress parade. 
In the evening the dinner of the U. S. N. A. graduates. 
Around those tables met manj'' officers and ex-officers, 
some gray-headed and venerable, others middle aged, but 
the majority men in the prime of life, full of promise and 
enthusiasm. The President of the Association (also the 
oldest graduate) had worn the gray, others were busi- 
ness men of standing and ability, who were delighted to 
meet old class and ship mates of former years; others 
again there were whose names, all unwitting to them, 
would shortly be borne on the nation's roll of honor. The 
speech-making and toasts carried the thing well on into 
the night. 
I'riday, June 4: 
10:30 A. M.— Graduation ceremonies. 
And that night the ball. 
During the week there were three promenade concerts, 
the Academj' grounds being lighted by Chinese lanterns, 
and also a serenade to the Board of Visitors. 
After the graduation ball the town empties rapidly. 
Some few parents remain with their boys until the prac- 
tice ships sail, and then Annapolis resumes its wonted 
aspect. 
As for ourselves, we saw all that was to be seen ; en- 
joyed the music, the drills, the concerts, also meetings 
with old friends and acquaintances. The Foam took 
many sailing parties up the Severn, round the harbor and 
across to Kent Island, besides following the drills afloat, 
but was carefully kept from interfering in anj- way with 
the maneuvers. 
After all was over, the engine was OA'erhauIed, the hull 
outside given a touch of paint and the tender was re- 
varnished. These preparations for our return trip and a 
rainy spell kept us in port until June 12. 
T.VBLE OF DISTANCES SAILED, 
Miles. 
In the Harlem River , . . 2.5 
In the Hudson River and to Great Beds Light. .... 36.0 
Raritan River ..... 13.0 
Delaware & Raritan Canal 44.0 
Delaware River 68.0 
Delaware & Chesapeake Canal 14.0 
Chesapeake Bay and tributaries , 57.5 
Total 235.0 
Wm. p. Clason. 
[to be continued.] 
Mr. A. C. Aborn. of New York City, is having Messrs. 
.Rogers and Baker, of Bay Shore, L. I., build for him, 
from Mr, Mower's design, a 20ft. knockabout. This boat 
will have a summer cabin and a large cockpit. She will 
pot be fitted with a bowsprit. She is 31ft. 6in. over all, 
igjt, m the wateriinCj y^iL bf^l^i and aoiR, ^f^f^, ^ 
