The New York herald., 1872-12-20
SKATING AND SLEIGHING.

Yesterday mt the Rink-The "Ringing
Steel" and Musical Bells-The Crowd ON
the Ice and ON the Drives-A Merry Time
in Gotham.
The Industrious laborers at the Park had the
snow which fell on Wednesday cleared from the
lake early that evening, and yesterday morning
the Ice in fine condition for the girls and boys
and all the adults OF Gotham to enjoy themselves
heartily In the pleasant pastime Of skating. Not
for years at this early period OF the Winter has
everything proved so propitious for merry time
ON the Bringing steel' as now, nor did ever those
who love the sport enter into it with so much zess
and seeming pleasure as has been observed since
the ''ball' has been up at the Park. AS usual,
early In the morning Of yesterday there were but
few on the lake, but at noon the number materially
increased, and, when three O'Clock came around,
there were hundreds Of the fair sex, with their gen.
temen friends, together with pretty little girls and
mischievous boys, who were spinning from one end
OF the big pond to the other,
ALL IN GOOD HUMoR
and many full OF hilarity. But it was In the even
ing that the lake became crowded In manner thas
reminded one Of the od-time carnival occasions.
The lamps put in position within the past few days
were ali lighted for the first time when the scene
was really picturesque in the extreme. The ice
field at this hour was black with skaters, who were
enjoying the exercise, and now and then there
would be seen lacy gentleman superior to their
companions in the art, who showing their ability
to perform diflcut feats, would receive hearty ap-
plause, and these demonstrations did much to rem
der the promiscuous assemblage much OF b social
character All this time, ana also during the after.
noon, there were many spectators in the large
rooms above the refreshment saloon, and 1t seemed
and still remains a matter Of doubt whether they
or those participating in the sport enjoyed them
selves the most, for very frequently the
PIP TAT yTUn
that came from the retiring rooms were indicative
OF q pleasant time, and upon more than one oc-
echoes among the crowd below on the ice. The
number OF falls and collisions yesterday, as ON
ent, and while some were purely % accidental oan
dor compels the statement that many were really
suspicious between some OF the fair sex and their
masculine escort, and there were notable instances
when 1t took long, very long time for them to
resume skating and recover from the shock. And
hour did the delighted hundreds leave the scene OF
enjoyment, though each and every one resolved to
renew 1t SO soon as circumstances and time per-
mitted. The curriers', too had good time yesterday
their pond opposite Seventy-fourth street being
well patronized BY members ofthe New York, Gale
donian, St. Andrews and Empire City Clubs who
played several scrub games, that they may be well
prepared in the matter OF practice for the exciting
spectators who remained for long time witness. SIS
Ing the grand amusement OF the skating fraternity
that the seha IN ss few Of the he u
town streets and In the Park is quite good partic
ulary on the drives OF the latter resort and many
Of
NEW YoRK's FArREsr DAUGHTERS
with their friends, took advantage Of 1t. From
the tiny specimen that comfortably holds
but one person, to the family sleigh
that will seat half dozen or more.
away they glided over the crisp snow to the road
beyond, and the club houses and places where all
who ride out IN New York are wont to stop and
rest awhile were merry with innocent hiarity. It
reminded one OF the Winters that have gone and
the merry sleighing times well remembered by the
citizens Of advanced age, who used to pass night
on the upper end OF Manhattan Island.
In the absence OF storm sleghing IN the Park
Will DO excellent for some time yet, and the same
amusements will be thoroughly enjoyed to the end
IL would be foolish TO doubt. .ls
Last Nights snow storm.
About halrpast ten last night snow began falling
In the CITY, making the fourth time this season.
The result OF the last storm yet on the ground
in the upper districts fresh and pure, but down
town turned to slush and nth. Even without this
the snow OF last night, at least as u
began to fall gave no promise OF an extensive
storm. The fakes were thin and wet and had
not that honest consistency which useful snow
as It tochd the ground It's shining white vanished
to make way for clinging wet. Yet IL tickled
the noses OF passers by In true wntry style
and seemed to silently apologize for not doing its
duty In o more satisfactory manner. IL is noI
that early riaera this