The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-06-10

Inc season OF life and activity has como at
last with tho summer, and all America seems
to yearn for the waters and the green fields.
It was long time before society was unlocked
from tho cold and stony embrace of winter,
and, until lately, 1t really seemed what with
asteroids, and movements of the Gulf Stream
and other phenomena perplexing to our men
OF science that we were about to pass into q
new geological period, an age of ice and
snow and merciless cold. But summer has
really come, and we give it precipitate vel
come. In every part Of the country we hear
the busy note of gentle preparation. Our city
social life is at an end Tho opera has van
ished, and Elsa and Lohengrin drink new inspi-
ration from the German springs. The theatres
have listless audiences. and one after another
the managers roll down their curtains and
put away their puppets. for the play is played
out. and the players are away to seek trout
streams and sea beach promenades. Gallant
society men are making their last calls. but it
is not cheerful business. as fashionable
young ladies are weary of tho home saloons
and reserve their dresses, their new songs and
witty speeches, for Saratoga and the sea side
greet us on the avenue, everybody looks tired
Bridget is busy dragging up the carpets and
shrouding the furniture for it's summer entomb-
ment We ara like birds on the wing, wait
ing for the warm airs. So, like birds on the
wing, we take flight
As everybody cannot take flight tho home
people arc resolved upon making the best Of
tha o,,v,r,ar How ;vrr.t;act ~. bov~ -. e.
the green fields to chase the evading ball from
base to base, or to feel the triumph Of Napo-
leon at Austerlitz as they catch it on the fly
amid the shouts Of eager thousands. This is
. noble game with fine opportunities for
activity and skill, and not without its scientific
qualities. It requires more talent we are
sure, to pitch ball properly than has been
shown by any Of General Grants Secretaries
Of the Treasury. Speaking Of that, think
Of the sound mathematical common
sense principles base ball embodies, with
mono Of the follies about two and two
making eleven, as the champions Of imitation
contend. And now that we are on this infa-
ton question, let US pray for fresh and free
winds for the yachts that lie impatiently at
anchor in the bay. What philosopher is it
who says that the four most attractive things
in tho world are tree in full bloom, racer
at speed, conely woman, and ship at full
sail2 He would feel the full sense Of attrac-
ton this morning IN reviewing the bright squad
ron Of fairy, trembling beauties, winged and
bounding and impatient for the sea. For to-
day We have the regatta Of the Atlantic Yacht
Club. Tomorrow the New York Club will
celebrate its prowess.
We do not know what kind Of yachting
season we shall have this summer We are
not over-hopeful, knowing the effects of the
panic on our yachting service. It will, no
doubt, be quiet, without the brilliancy Of
more prosperous times. But our yachtsmen
are showing enterprise and taste, and those
who crave wet sheet and a flowing seq and
wind that follows fast will, no doubt have as
much comfort and as complete an enjoyment
OF all the rare pleasances of the summer MS
ever before. Yachting was never as popular
as in the seasons of 1871 and 1872. We hope
after the time of rest enforced by the panic to
have again that gayety and brightness In
the New York list of yachts many are absent
that will not be brought into commission
this season. number are also in Europe.
These will pass the summer months in
European waters. This will account for the
absence Of the Sappho, Enchantress Viking
and the Faustine, vessels that will be missed
tomorrow, as our yachts coquettishly fly
wing and wing through the Narrows. Many
of our largest yacht schooners will accompany
the regatta around the course. This will
give joyousness to the scene, an element Of
friendliness and sociabilty, without which
life at sea is as insipid as life on land. The
meeting of the Idler, Phantom and Tidal
Wave-the Peerless, Eva, Magic and Clio
must afford contest of close and exciting
nature In the Atlantic Yacht Club, which,
as we have said, sails this morning, four
schooners and twelve sloops nre entered of
their respective classes. The Brooklyn Yacht
Club will sail on June 16, and the entries
indicate a very large fleet.
| This also is the second day Of the Jerome
Park races, and it bids fair to exceed in inter-
est the opening, especially if last evening"
thunder continues in a relenting humor.
After Jerome Park we shall have Saratoga
and Monmouth. So if only Congress
will adjourn without passing the Civil
Rights bill, and if we can have finan-
cial policy that win not produce another
panic, and if Bismarck can be induced to
confne his quarrels to the Pope, there is no
reason why we should not have an exceptional
SUMNER season of happiness after so much
unrest, of peace and merriment and over
flowing enjoyment, after the hard, lingering,
cruel winter, with its frost and rain and
ceaseless business cares.
Our Canine Enemies.
/ Within the last few daYs q number of ner-