The New York herald., 1870-03-27
STEAMBOAT ACE.

Trial Of Speed Between the Steamers Sylvnn
Glen and sylvan strcnm-The Course Down
the Bny aud the sylvan Glen the Winner.
The Harlem ana New York Navigation Company
own four elegant steamers, whose names are
very suggestive or the scenes through which they
hourly pass between New YORK ana their upper
Landing in Harlem river They are. .christened, re-
spectiyely the Sylvan Glen, Sylvan Stream, Sylvan
Shore and Sylvan Grove. They run from
Peck slip up to Harlem Bridge, anu In sumner are
crowded with people, who find the cool braezes Of
East river and the shady groves ana villas along
the Harlem refreshing change from sullocating
street cars. dust and city odors.
Tne steamer Slvan stream OF this line having
been partially rebuilt by the construction OF new
hull, 1t was desired on the part OF the company TO
make trial OF speed to ascertain whether she had
gained or lost In speed Dy the alteration. The
peculiar manner in winch the new huh had been
constructed gave additional interest to the trial. the
steamer having been hauled up the ways and
there given an entirely new hull without removing
any OF her machinery or upper works. The altered
steamer now has little more beam than before but
win the exception OF new paint and upholserlng
her appearance IS unc changed Her speed having
been compared with that OF the Sylvan Glen pre-
two boats down the bay and tested their relative
merits again.
The Sylvan Glen, with the president OF the com.
pany, Mr.. GOwan, several OF the directors, the
inspector, MI Matthews, ana the State in.
spector, Mr.. Weeks, together with few
invited guests lett Peck slip shortly after
eleven O'Clock. and proceeded down towards
the bay, meeting the Sylvan Stream OF tho Battery
one oil the inspectors remained on each boat, in
order TO supeilutend the management OF the boilers
which 1t was arranged should not be submitted TO
pressure or more than forty Ave pounds OF steam
during the race, and after the settlement OF all
lnnarieS the signal was given to 60. Both
steamers seemed To leap in the water as the DOW
erful engines whrlcd the wheels, and sped rapidly
down the bay, leaving long, white TRACKS OF loan
aud attracting no little attention from passing yes
sells. The sylvan Glen gradually crept ahead OF
the sylvan Stream, and steadily increased her al.
vantage until when the two boats reached Fort Lafa-
yetle, she was over three lengths III ADVANCE or
her competitor. The steamers then turned back
came together and the gentlemen were transferred
fresnments awaited them. Both steamers resumed
their duties IN the afternoon and so quietly mad the
affair been conducted that very few about the docks
knew anything OF II until the sylvan Glen returned
with tnc news OF her victory. AS both
vessels were restricted to the same condt
tons the utmost capacity OF either was
no. demonstrated, the only object being to deter
inine whether the Sylvan Stream mad lost In speed
since her alteration Although beaten yesterday by
the sylvan Glen 1t Is the opinion or her builders and
engineers that when she receives her copper bottom
sne VIII regain her former speed, md perhaps eX-
ceed II.
Charles Pitman Maps, who was severely Injured
last Saturday on the sylvan Grove, Is improving, In
bellevue Hospital, aud strong hopes are eutel-
tanned or his recovery.