The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-01-02
The Skating Ponds.


were a damper to the spirits, if not obstacle in
some cases to the social procvities Of the hosts
of callers who celebrated yesterday how much
more unwelcome were they to the hundreds, nay,
thousands, Of children and boys "of larger GROWTH
who had yearned for the coming Of New Years
Day as an occasion for testing their skates, new
and old. We say new, because scores of our en-
bryo fellow-citzens were the recipients of skates
for their New Years." Christmas has its books,
its boxes, its bon boas; but the New Years gift
for Young America is pair of skates-pdr er-
ceuence.
The snow Of Tuesday night first awakened
serious apprehensons, and many little heart
was disappointed when the eathery flakes, falling
in a binding shower, shut the earth, with its ice
ponds and all, from sight. What to them was the
more boisterous joy Of those who saw in the storm
O chance TO make their calls on runners mid cozy
butiaoes," or of those who contemplated the de.
lirious delight of sleigh ride, behind FAST pair,
on "the road?" And so saddened faces were
pressed against the window pane watching for a
lu which came at last, but only with more disas-
ter to their prospects. The change was to rain,
and the pair Of skates laid away tearfully for
future and more propitious day. In fact. the
clerk OF the weather played trick-a mean one,
iided in his promises of the few days preceding the
beginning of the new year. Cold clear, bracing
az was the atmosphere, young aud old contem-
plated, with serenity which no contingency was
seemingly able to disturb, the prospect of a real
DAVIS amusement on the ice yesterday.
Nor were the proprictors Of the various ponds
without their share OF the general disappointment.
On many of them inclusive of both of Major Dat
mans, it was the intention to make it n perfect
gala day. Bands of music were engaged
and other preparations entered into with
this object. Skating was entirely out Of the ques-
ton. Had the storm been content with showing
merely the more enterprising Of these proprietors
might have been able to clear the surfaces of
their enclosures. In fact, the ice which comes
from beneath covering of snow has peculiar
excellence, which connoissenr in the skating art
knows well how to appreciate. Bat the rain
capped the climax Of disappointed hopes and con-
firmed the fiat Of no skating on New Years Day.
Despite the unproptious character of the
skating so far this winter the facilities for the
amusement not lacking whenever Jack Frost
shall choose to dispense his favors
The Park ponds are several in number. The
principal one is the main sheet Of water north
OF The Terrace, but fine skating is afforded on the
sheets OF ice at Fifty-nnth street and Fifth ave-
nue., and also at the extreme northeast angle
All are ready for freezing.
Macmillans pond was opened about three weeks
since, AMI between the attractions of very fair ice
calcium lights and q band of music has been well
attended.
Major Oatman's pond was opened about the
same tlme and has been largely attended by the
fair sex. It's quadrangle during the few nights of
cold weather was the scene OF most delightful
gathering OF beautiful skaters.
Major Mitchelrs Fifth Avenue Rink has been
kept IN constant preparation, but, like its rivals
has suffered from the mdness of the winter. Two
carnvals have been given on ts cosey little par.
quet Of ice this season.
The Brooklyn ponds have been prepared with
unusual care for the season.
The Capiolne has been crowded whenever
there was skating. 4 good band of music has
been almost constantly in attendance.
The Union and the Satellite ponds, in the Fast.
portion OF Brooklyn.
Major Oatman's pond has been put in order at
last, and would have been ready for skaters yes
terday had the weather been refrgerative.
The proprietors OF the Skating Lake, corner Of
South second and Monmouth streets, Jersey City.
intended to wish their patrons very happy new
year on the ice yesterday This lake has q very
line surface for ice.