The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-26

beginners to see the careful manner IN when tney
first touched the slippery Ice 70 no.ioe the paui
swaylng OF their bodies they endeavored 70 NAM
tain their eomllbrium tue unaccountabe manner in
which theireet behaved and the grotesque attitudes
which they presented when the fall dld come and
tbey found themselves embracing the ice at last.
Some OF the collisions, too, were very mlrtli-pro-
voknV In ono instance Two Sou th en We're as
AS they were going backward they tailed 10 see
clumsy beginner who somehow contrlved TO iaii Just
rs the quartet approached. over the tyro's fallen
body Inc interesting group was Frustrated, and
three or four others who were following close be-
hlna being unable on account OF the crowded state
II de Ice TO guide themselves out OF the way, also
IN, the whole presenting most mixed up spectacle
Throughout the day living stream set in in the
direction OF The fark, and many hundreds must
have enjoyed themselves at the various ponds. AT
the curing pond some OF Scotia's were indulg-
mig IN their Iayorlte national game. They looked
cold, one gentleman particularly, who seemed to
have lame arm. presenting Q face which for glow
ana ruddiness was subject worthy the brush Of
THE EMPIRE CITY RINK
AS predicted in the HERALD OF Yesterday there
was excellent ice at this fashionable resort for
skaters. Here beneath the shelter OF walls and roof
themselves upon their steel shod feet and over the
large expanse OF Ice which was open to the visitors
yesterday some very excellent displays o1ekating
made. Music played, bright eyes sparkied
merry lips chatted handsome men ilrted, pretty
girls laughed and the fun generally was fast
and furious large number OF the genter
SIX graced the icy surface and showed their skin
upon skates by performing some feats OF skill which
pretty lTlie leet Which could be guided to perform
such clever evolutons. The arrangements at the
rink were very comfortable, the buildings were well
warmed and quite a large number or spectators
were present to watch the gliding throng as they
SKINNED about upon the Ice. The company here
OF quite different character to that observable
at the Park. Whatever other differences there might
have been, all were alike In being well dressed and
warmly clad. When the immense ediiice was lit up
the sight presented was u most enchanting one. The
brilliant gas lamps were reflected on the CLASSY sur
face beneath The bright toilets OF the ladies and the
af fhn oh
aud helped TO MAKE up coup d'GI Of great beauty
IN BROOKLYN.
amnno tho we youth ~ nni s
spent Christmas Day on skates. From early morn
,ns the cars leading to the Union and Capitoine
ponds were filled with warmly clad lads and lasses,
who, with skates in hand, were bound to brave the
severity OF the weather ct one or other Of these
sAatoria paradises. The Prospect Park cars also
did a good business oil day In conveying the nun
dreds or skaters who proceeded to the ponds to
enjoy the facilities provided by the Park Commis,
solGri.
THE UNION POND
Always good Ice here, and always q large attend
been made Tor the accommodation Of q more than
usually large crowd, ana the proprietor not dis
appointed IN his expectation. The ice had been
fully smoothed. all rough spots removed the surface
swept and carefully cleaned. The waiting rooms
and .reireshment department. had been also tho
roughly overhauled. steady stream OF visitors set
in early in the morning and throughout the day the
Ice was well covered with skaters. Some very excel
lent displays OF skating were made by amateurs,
both lady and gentleman, and some very amusing
exhibitions OF ciuInsiness were made by beginners,
mostly gentlemen. band Of music was In atten-
dance and added considerably to the enjoyment Of
those present. Some novel attractions are in pre-
paration al this pond OF which the management
VIII give due notice. The Union Is easily reached by
New Workers, Wiiliamsburgers and Bro0kynites.
THE CAPITOLINE.
Good Ice and good company, good music and good
skating. Thlspond has always been among the best
going and the alterations made this year have i'm
proved II somewhat. The cold wind had free course
over the pond yesterday, and the skaters had no
protection from It's blasts; but despite the cold, a
large number OF ladies' and 81 gentlemen evidently
enjoyed themselves in the pursuit OF this popular
sport The gentlemen kept their noses warm by
smoking, and the ladies wrapped themselves care
fully In their lus and the sport went on until the
pond was cleared for the night.
TIE PROSPECT PARK POND.
The ponds at Prospect Park, which are to Brook
lyntes what Central Park Is to New York. fairly
covered by skaters yesterday The character OF the
crowd was similar to that OF the gathering at the
Park-a oily, merry-making assemblage evidently
ont for a holiday, with minds made up to make the
most OF it, The ice was In splendid condition. having
been carefully planed on Thursday, and It was clear
as any yet seen this season. over this surface the
swaying skaters rushed at almost lightning speed,
their giteing steel5 flashing back the sunshine in
the face OF the spectator. The number OF skaters
increased all through the afternoon and the ponds
were well hled uatil the bell rang and the ice was
cleared.