76 
AMERICAN AGRICULTURIST, 
[Febkuary, 
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WINTER SPORTS AND PASTIMES. 
There is no more exhilarating eight, on a clear, 
frosty winter’s day, than a large pond or river, 
firmly frozen over, the ice gleaming in the spark¬ 
ling sunlight, and thronged with skaters darting 
hither and thither with bewildering rapidity. What 
fun it is to glide along with such ease ; the sensa¬ 
tion being the nearest to flying of anything one can 
imagine. But this is after you have had long prac¬ 
tice at the art. We well recall the despair that 
Designed and Engraved for the American Agriculturist. 
overwhelmed us, when, having just learned to 
stand on the unsteady steel, some mischievous 
companions assisted us to the center of the pond, 
and then left us, to get back to shore as best we 
could. It seemed a herculean task, and was only 
accomplished after much tribulation. 
For beginners, a 6kate with a moderately low 
iron and three straps is the best, the club skates 
coming on later, when more proficiency has been 
attained. As soon as the novice has succeeded in 
standing upright, he should start at once. He will 
at first make great use of his hands to maintain his 
balance, but these ungraceful movements should 
be avoided so soon as possible. The inside edge 
of the 6kate is the first to be attempted. Be sure 
to learn this thoroughly before trying any fancy 
evolutions. For cutting figures and other devices, 
the skater must also be able to skate on the outside 
