The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-09-11
THE LACROSSE PLAYERS.
Van COft's Savages Mt jones' WOod-Three
Splendid Games.

Van COtt's Savages Mt jones' WO0d-Three
Splendid Games.
Pursuant to advertisements in the press the party
OF Canadian Indians Of which Mr.. Van Colt is the
chaperon appeared at Jones' Wood yesterday and
astOnished the natives with several games Of la
crosse. Two O'Clock was the hour named for the
commencement OF the game, and the two chiefs
who headed the mines promptly brought their bats
together as the clock struck the time. There were
about $50 to 400 persons In the WOOD the majority Of
whom were boys. The greatest interest was mani
tested in the progress Of the game-much more wild
excitement FACT than is generally observed at base
ball matches. The ball having been started by the
rival chiefs under direction Of the agent Of the COM
pany, most exciting contest ensued. Back to the
low ditch which for some inscrurable purpose the
propretors OF the wood keep filed with dirty water,
up among the trees, round about the hollow field,
and even among the spectators, the little ball was
whired from the netted bat Of the Indians with mar
vellous force and skill. One party was dressed In
In red shirts and bright blue trousers, while all
the traditional on their feet and feathers
in their caps. Running about with the neetness
OF deer dodging whooping and leaping like beings
possessed they contrived In few minutes to excite
the spectators to the widest enthusiasm The srug
gle for the first inning was very close and exciting
and lasted for upwards OF two hours. Twenty dii-
ferent times did the Reds carry the ball close up to
the winning nags anu Just as often did the Whites
send it back TO The opposite side OF the field Finally
| after splendid contest. in which extraordinary
skill was displayed, the Whites got hold OF 1t and
| sent 1t flying between the winning posts amid the
cheers OF the excited spectators, While the Indians
were resting themselves for the next inning
the attention OF all present was directed
to the movements OF OF the TAM
many Braves, who drove up to study
the ways OF his red brethren with the view Of fitting
himself for chefLancy in his tribe. He was so
pleased and excited with the red lacrosse demo-
Gratis that he began throwing five cent pieces In
handfus to the small boys, who crowded round him
In hundreds.
The second and third innings occupied but few
minutes eacn and were won handsomely by the
whites. The Reds seemed good deal dspleased with
this result and could not be dissuaded from making
another trial, which Mr.. Van Colt had to allow
This was more stubbOrnly contested than the two
preceding every man putting forth his best powers OF
speed and skill, but after fifteen minutes Of splendid
play tue Whites we're again the vctOrs 1t was the
subject Of general remark that II these Indians were
invited by the Park Commissioners 10 give an ex-
hbition Of their skill on the Park Dall ground they
would make lacrosse exceedingly popular. The
space Ia too limited at Jones' Wood, ana the trees
greatly interfere with the players During the play
Yesterday q NUMBER OF handouts were distributed
containing challenge from the Sellck Company
which caused some excitement. IL was stated that
contest between the rival Indians would PROBABLY
take place at an early day.
In consequence OF the additional inning having
been paved the war dance which was to conclude
the day q sport dispensed with, but excellent
foot race by four OF the Indians substituted for
it, The spectators remained on the grounds long
after the games over admiring the Indians and
their picturesque costumes.