As soon as the ice disappeared from the Charles river, all the crews discontinued their work in the gymnasium, and have since practiced daily on the water. They have been subjected to great inconvenience by the repairs at the boathouse, which have progressed with provoking deliberation. As a platform on piles is being build in front of the large boathouse, the five crews have occupied the smaller one, whence but one barge can be carried at a time. It is expected, however, that the floats will be in readiness and all work finished by the end of this week. During the greater part of the recess, all the crews remained in Cambridge, and made the best of the opportunities offered for long rows. Twice a day, in all kinds of weather, in snow, rain and hail, they ventured out upon the river. Barges were used for practice until yesterday, when the shells were brought out. This change was a pleasant one for the oarsmen, as the shells, though not so steady as barges, are more easily handled and rowed.
The University crew is exerting itself to the utmost to repeat the triumphs of last year. Seven of the eight men have rowed in a winning race against Yale and against Columbia. This eight, unsurpassed by any of our previous crews in strength and experience, with an energetic captain and an able and successful coach, may well inspire the friends of Harvard with every hope of success in the coming races. At present the men are rowing in the following order:
POSITION. NAME. WEIGHT.
Bow. E. P. Lathrop, L. S. 175
2. W. J. Borland, '86, 181
3. E. E. Hamlin, '86, 176.
4. J. L. Sawyer, L. S., 170
5. W. W. Mumford, '84, 169
6. S. I. Hudgens, '84, 196
7. J. J. Storrow, '85, 160
Stroke. R. P. Perkins, '84, 194
Mr. E. A. S. Clarke, '84, takes an occasional row with the crew, but will not begin regular training until the first of May. The crew, though giving great promise of success, has not yet reached perfection. The men are not rowing with enough uniformity. Those on the starboard side often fail to draw their oars clear through, and in the middle of the boat there is a break in the time, occasioned by number five, who does not heave back his shoulders with the others. A few more individual "peculiarities" are noticeable. No. 2 shoots his hands out slowly. No. 3 dips too deep at the beginning of the stroke and settles at the finish. No. 8 starts to recover before he shoots out his hands.
As the Class races occur on the tenth of May, the day of the Yale game, the four class crews have just one month left for practice. For the last four years '82 and '83 have taken all the honors in rowing, so that none of the present crews have been victorious in the class races. The seniors are now rowing as follows:
POSITION. NAME. WEIGHT.
Bow. G. R. Agassiz, 145
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A Senior's Souvenir.