The Sun.
London, England, 1870-04-07 00:00:00

as nearly as could he seen a third of their own length.
Here .the steering on board the Cambridge boat was
very indifferent, and this gave a temporary ad-
vantage to Oxford, who were, however, unable to
hold it, and at Craven Point were three quarters of a
length astern. The excitement now was intense, as it
was seen that Oxford, astern as they were, still held their
opponents hard. Cambridge, however, were still gaining,
and at the Crab Tree were all but clear, not venturing,
however, to take the Oxford water, and refraining from
the advantage they might have gained from giving
the latter their back-wash. The steering in
both boats was at this time bad; but though he did
not ke3p as straight a course as he might have done, the
Cambridge coxswain avoided as much as possible the
effects of ill-luck by keeping his men well towards mid-
stream. Passing Hammersmith Bridge, Cambridge con-
tinued rather more than three-quarters of a length in
front ; but nearing the Oil Mills, Oxford • spurted,
and the cheers of their friends waxed louder
and louder, as it was seen that at every
stroke they were gaining on the leaders. Approaching
the island at Chiswick, Cambridge were not more than a
quarter of a length ahead, and were keeping so bad a
course that had there been enough of power on board the
other boat to second the efforts of Darbishire, then the
Dark Blue must have got leveL Of this, however,
Oxford was not capabable, and putting on a spurt which
the others were unable to answer, Cambridge led by a
length, and were again all but clear at Chiswick
Church. Going on past the Bathing Place, Oxford again
spurted, but without materially lessening thedistance be-
tween the boats, as the Cantabs answered the challenge,
quickened their stroke, and resumed their old position.
The race did not by any means appear quite over, for
neither of the crews were rowing in particularly good
form, and it seemed quite possible that if a vigorous effort
did carry Oxford a little • ahead the other crew
would not havo steam enough to enable them to catch
them. We were now, however, approaching a change.
At the Bull's Head at Barnes, there was still between
the boats the three-quarters of a length which bad inter-
vened for agreat part of the distance, but immediately after
passing this point it became evident on all sides that the
race was virtually over. For the first time in the
course of the race Cambridge were so far clear
as to venture into Oxford's water ; and from that time
the race may be said to have been over, though contested
gallantly to the last. Stroke after stroke Cambridge con-
tinued to gain ; on board the other boat there seemed no
great amount of life ; and at the White Hart the Light
Blue led by a length and a half. The remainder of
the distance was not distinguished by anything remarkable
in the rowing, and the only thing noticeable about it—and
not an unimportant matter either—was the gradual in-
crease of Cambridge's advantage. For the last part of
the race the Cantabs kept a fine course, and slowly, though
gradually, added to their lead, eventually passing the Ship at
Mortlake first by close upon two lengths. The victory
of Cambridge was received with immense cheering, indi-
cating clearly which was the popular crew; and when
they were leading, past the long line of steamers and
crowded barques just below Barnes Bridge, the applause
was equally great, The time was 21min. 30 3-10 secs.
The latest weights were as follow :