Lured by a quarter of a mile of open water above the Newell Boat House and below the Weld Boat Club, five shells of the University flotilla ventured onto the Charles for a brief row yesterday. Men in touch with Harvard rowing asserted that it was the first time in history that such a step had been taken at this time of year.

Flying in the face of Providence, and disregarding the combination of Friday the 13th, Boat 13 was the first shell to take the water. Three University eights, one 150-pound boat, and a Freshman crew comprised the fleet that paddled up and down for a brief spin. The seatings of the crews were all chosen entirely by chance.

Coach E. J. Brown '96, stressed the fact that this was not the official beginning of the season, but only an impromptu affair, official rowing beginning of February 6. The only lettermen of the crew who were present yesterday were Captain John Watts '28, and F. A. Clark '29.

F. R. Sulivan '27 who was coxswain on last year's University crew, and coached last fall, directed the rudder for the crew stroked by B. J. Harrison '29, and C. H. Pforzheimer '28 guided the eight stroked by Captain Watts.