The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1825-11-10

the rev ard. were not very expert, they must
inevitably fall into the water. The plank
was very narrow, aud many of the candid
ates for distinction would have willingly
given up all claims to the glory had 1t not
been for the presence Of the Duchess, VINO
seemed to expect there would not be SIN
gle disappointment. 1t was necessary taat
the runners should be as lightly clad as pos
sible, consistently with the presence OF the
other sex, as many plunge was expected
and those who tumbled into the water were
not prevented from second experiment,
but were at liberty to get ducked again as
often as they pleased. They accordingly
appeared completely naked, except 50 Tar as
a pair of drawers was capable of covering
each of them. The Duchess sat on the quar-
| ter deck of the kings galley, surrounded
| BY her attendants, and having directed that
each prize should be hung up at the end
! of the plank upon which this extraordinary
exhibition was to take place, SO high as TO
require that the aspirant should make sort OF
spring to reach it, and that the plank should
\ be particularly well soaped at the critical
point, she gave orders for the commence
ment of the contest. The first that appear
ed in the lists was stout-built young tel
low, who had, we understand, often made
sure passage over many slippery place.
| He advanced with good deal of confidence,
and made four or five bold and successful
steps, but the Duchess had directed that
the soap should be so applied that where
the frmest footing was expected, the least
chance of standing should be found, and at
the fifth step the unfortunate advcnturer
tumbed head over heels into the deep. A
roar Of laughter accompanied his downfall,
81 la tnIn n 10
fun. Several boats were in readiness to pull
up the tumbers, and the first essayist, the
moment he rose on the surface was hauled
in The second candidate, who was round
and squat had no better success. He ran
on cautiously, but was disma, ed by sud-
den word of advice, and in turning round
his head to see to whom he was indebted,
he showed his gratitude by falling upon his
face and hands into the water. Several 9TH
CT attempts were made without success.
At last candidate, who seemed 70 be
one of the family, a member of which is
cutting so distinguished figure in London
as the "anGtomic riNGnts," presented him
self. HIS appearance caused universal a
larm, for every one apprehepded that il he
missed the prize his fall would be fatal,
there being not an atom of that buoyant stun
about him which was calculated to enable
him to move from the bottom if once he
reached it. The boats kept Immediately
under the plank, as it was thought better
that he should break limb than run the
other chance; but he disappointed all the
fears entertained Of him, for his feet were
SO bare of flesh, and his heels were so sharp,
that he ran rs securely as if the plank had
been Macatlamizcd. He reached and car
red the prize with Ease in the midst of app
plauses. in which the Duchess Of Bern most
| loudly joined. lnnumerable falls took place;
and in fact it was found by the candidates
that their iailurts were so much more agree
able to the royal parsonage who superlntend
ed their movements than their victory, that
they not only fell intention illv, but in thc
most ridiculous manner into thc. water. Thi
entertainment continued for three hours, an6
the duchess declared at the conclusion that
she never was better tl.aseA