Flying up and down the Charles these spring days are four distinct varieties of oarsmen: Varsity, Junior Varsity, Freshmen, and 150's. Those in the last group, however, into a special classification. Their standard racing shell is two inches narrower and a shade lighter than the others, and their usual racing distance is shorter by seven sixteenths of a mile. Weight restrictions limit their boat average to an even one fifty and their individual poundage to a hundred and fifty five.

Quite often, in the general excitement of churned paddles and caught crabs, which punctuates the formal racing season, the one fifties are apt to get the feeling that they are Harvard's forgotten black sheep. They find themselves annually with a minimum of racing shells, the minimum being one, and a racing schedule which even an amateur could engrave on the head of a pin. This year, for example, their competitive season will be limited to three races unless they can make a deal with Tabor Academy, a victory over whom can't possibly add much to the prestige of any college crew.

The light oarsmen deserve better treatment for several reasons. They have occupied an official place in Harvard's athletic roster since the early twenties. In Bert Haines they have one of the finest and most colorful of crew coaches. Last season they rowed alternately 150 and Junior Varsity and went through the season undefeated in both classes.

Since five, Fred Harrington, Jim Holt, Bill Dowd, Arthur George, and Capt. Howie Hall, of 1946's distinguished light eight are still rowing, it might be reasonable to expect another bumper season; but Coach Haines points out that a reputation is harder to maintain than to acquire. The empty places have been claimed by Dave Clark, a strong number five, and Henry Erhard who fulfills particularly well one of the cardinal functions of a good bow man, namely to bring the weight average down. His weight: 137. Despite this amazing individual achievement, the boat as a whole is too heavy. Bert calls them his "fat fifties," and is anxiously plying them with Ry-Krisp.

The ultimate aim of all their strivings is to take home the Goldthwaite Cup emblem of Big Three 150-pound crew championship. They will row for it at Derby, Conn. The course will be the regulation Henley distance, a mile and five sixteenths, precisely the length of the longest straight stretch on the English Thames where the original Henley is held.