The Sierra citizen., 1854-04-29
For Sierra Citizen.
4 Day on the Potomac.

BY ANALosTAN.
''Some joys we loudly tell;
Some thoughts we keep apart"
BARRY CORNWALL
LYING close to the west bank of the
Potomac, between the cities of Washing
ton aud Georgetown, is the island known
in that region by the name of Analostan,
or Mason's Island. Originally there were
two channels to the river, but for the benc-
tit of commerce it was deemed expedient
to force both into one by artificial means,
and thus bring the great body of water
along the wharves at Georgetown. Con-
scquen,ly, the corporate authorities Of that
town ordered and had constructed caus-
way or dam, connecting the island and
right bank Of the river, changing the
course of the current. and forming beau
tiful cove, from the celebrated spring on
the Arlington estate to where is now the
aqueduct OF the Alexandria branch of
the Chesapeake and Ohio canal. Into
this cove myriads of fish ind their way to
spawn ,and here the amateur anglers OF the
District OF Columbia flock i'll great num-
bers. In the spring and summer this is u
delightful place for days sport-a pure
and gurgiing spring, surmounted by al
ancient oak, at Airing ton; and the iuxu-
RANT foliage Of the island and river bank
cast a cool anu refreshing shadow over the
water. Small parties OF congenial spirits
are formed in the cities, determined to
have a glorious time whether successful in
angling or not; and when the day is deci-
ded upon, most extensive preparations are
made A boat is hired from some of the
numerous boatmen in the Tiber: and we'll
stocked with fishing tackle of all kinds;
bulky hampers Of the good things Of this
world-fruit, cakes, ham, eggs, vegetables,
and the very best of liquors are piled in
admirable confusion in the stern Sheets
Sometimes, to give variety to the days
sport. band OF musicians are employed
and several dozen ladies invited to join the
party, for the purpose of having dance
in the pavilion OF the venerable and noble
hearted proprietor of Arlington. On the
occasion Of which l speak, however. 10
ladies were present-it was exclusively
bachelor party bent OH fun. At tnat
time l resided in Washington, and being
known to some Of the gentlemen compo-
sing the company, received very polite
invitation to join them. Nothing could
have pleased me better, for in those days
| was just sowing my wild oats, and
whichever way the breeze blew. so the
seeds were scattered
All preliminary arrangements being
completed according to the most approved
fashion, each one OF the company took his
allotted seat in the boat. A boy on shore
cast loose the painter. and our coxswain
gave the order "up oars up few six as
Systematically as file OF soldiers coming
to shoulder arms-"let fall" and down
they went into the rullocks-then, ''sive
way;" and our little racer made few
graceful evolutions in the basin, much to
the delight of number of ladies and gen.
tlemen who had collected on the bridge to
witness our manGuvres. Rounding
sharp corner of the wall, the "Gazellc"
sped gallantly over the water, bearing
bone at its prov that gracefully curled
and fell in rainbow mist, while the regular
dipping of oars reminded one of the
joyful waterfowl's tapping of wings
Away we dashed, as cheerful party as
ever started on frolic, each stroke carry
ing us full length, and in twelve min
utes the order was given to "toss oars"
and ''stand by to fend off," we had reached
the opposite shore, two and a quarter
miles, and it was time to begin. We
leapt on the wharf at Arlington and took
our line Of march for the sUring, while
"Eb0ny" brought up the rear, with a
moderate sized demi,john in each hand and
hamper OF lemons. sugar, cakes. segars
and tumblers nicely balanced on his pate.
waddling along and whistling gayly "Old
Virginia is the place. boys" We found
Charley" near the pavilion smiling .
welcome--his usual happy custom-and
ready TO perform any little Office for our