The long expected race yesterday afternoon between the Harvard 'Varsity, Boston Athletic Club and Union Boat Club crews did not prove to be as close as had been of late anticipated. Harvard won easily, time 9 minutes 43 seconds. The second crew to cross the line was that of the Athletic club, which, however, was some four lengths of open water behind the 'varsity boat. The Union crew was last, and was about five lengths behind the Athletic Club eight.

The course of the race was the same as of that rowed by the class crews last Saturday, the start being from near the Longwood bridge, and the finish just off the Union Boat Club float. The water was in almost perfect condition, and what little wind there was did not interfere at all with the work of the crews. Shortly after half past six the crews took their positions. The Athletic Club were nearest the wall, the 'Varsity shell had the middle place, and the Union crew were a little on the other side. At 6.40 the start took place All the crews catching the water together. Harvard started off with 32 strockes to the minute, while the Union crew were rowing 34 and the Athletic 32. Soon after the start the Harvard and Athletic crews drew away from the Union boat, which was somewhat bothered by one of the tugs. As the shells were nearing the Harvard bridge, the Athletic crew spurted and ran the stroke up to 36, while the Harvards contented themselves with 32 to the minute. At the bridge Harvard was leading the Athletic boat by two boat lengths, and Athletics were about two and a half lengths ahead of the Union shell. After passing the bridge the Union crew became badly demoralized and fell further and further behind. Harvard at this time was rowing in almost perfect form, and was drawing away from the other crews at every stroke. At the finish she was four lengths ahead. The official time was, Harvard, 9 minutes, 43 seconds; Athletic club, 10 minutes, 41/2 seconds; Union club, 10 minutes, 26 seconds, The make up of the crews was as follows:

Harvard 'Varsity Crew-Bow, S. Sanford, 159 pounds; 2, W. Alexander, 154; 3, G. Perry, 166; 4, J. Cranston, 188; 5, J. R. Finlay, 189; 6, B. T. Tilton, 187; 7, J. P. Hutchinson, 159; stroke, R. F. Herrick, 156; coxswain, Whitney, 100.

Union Boat Club Crew-Bow, Wm. S. Eaton, Jr., 141 pounds; 2, Walter Haskell, 143; 3, S. Hammond, Jr., 1491/2; 4, E. D. Codman, 149; 5, J. Van Straaten, 158; 6, T. H. Simmons, 1571/2; 7, Fred S. Coolidge, 1451/2; stroke, Courtenay Guild, 150; coxswain, H. R. W. Browne, 125.

Boston Athletic Crew-Bow, R. H. Jones, 140 pounds; 2, W. C. Goodwin, 153: 3, H. W. Keyes, 162; 4, J. S. Russell, 1661/2; 5. Robert Bacon, 192; 7, Capt. F. Peabody, Jr., 188; 7, W. A. Brooks, 164; stroke, X. H. Goodnough, 154; coxswain, S. P. Sanger, 105.

The officers of the race were: Referee, Professor Alexander Agassiz; judge at start, Lieut. W. F. Kellog; judge at finish, Mr. Curtis Guild, Jr.; time keeper. Mr. Buckley; judge for Harvard, M. E. C. Storrow; judge for Athletic crew, Mr. R. F. Clark; judge for Union Club, Mr. R. C. Watson.