The New York herald., 1876-12-11
"THE COLD SNAP"

THE SKATERS IN NEW YORK READY FOR 'srH1
BALL"
The Fros King has at last made his appearance in
our midst arriving great haste without even deem-
ing il necessary to forward any advance guard to
forcwarn US Of his approach. When the daylight
dawned on Saturday morning the early riser
notified OF his presence and sailed forth into the
open air fully equipped in furs and listers.
As the day advanced the sun camo out, but finally re-
tired unable to cope against the position that its icy
rival had already taken up, and left alone in the field
the atmosphere became more and more rarcfed and
the water began raise its CLASSY Central Park
was entirely at his mercy, and, IN twenty-lour
hours, the 10y cloak Of winter had covered II
over, frightening of the stray pedestrians and
leaving the drives almost deserted By the hand
some equpages that are daily 10 be seen
during the mider seasons OF the year. The Park po.
iicemeu those euvcd morals that lounge about under
the SHADE sof the icaiy foliage during the summer
months, were caught At a disadvantage and unpre
pared lor the bitter rcezng blasts that swept
he grounds and were seen seekin. any points
where, by violent stamp ~ Of the feet and swinging
OF the arms they could keep the blood IN circulation.
ANTICIPATED PLEASURES.
The skaters in the CITY were. yesterday morning,
full Of joyous anticpaons oi the glowing exercises
they would enjoy on the ponds and by them the ar
rival OF the Frost KING welcomed with heartfelt
warmth. Many sailed forth with their bright steel
runners under their and started for tie Park
eager for tho the infatuated dancer or the first
ball OF tho season. Arriving at the Park, everything
presented winlry appearance, and the icicles formed
by the frozen that dropped from The branches,
glistening In the occasional ycams OF sunlight gave
ample evidence OF tho strength oil the Frost Kings
power. Tho water was coated with glistenng leo and
had most tempting appearance, so that every one
hurried along the Mall ANXIOUS To reach The large pond
where they could have plenty Of cniov theii
favorte winter pastimc A glance Mt the fagpcle on
the Observatory saved quite number considerable
walk, the flag was still waving on high. and the
famous bal-the skaters dclight-was nowhere TO be
seen.
THE BALL NOT RAISED
The frost had been during the last forty.
eight hours that the possibility OF there being NO
skating entered the heads OF many, and they
stcered for the scene OF action. They were nat
uraliy very much Disappointed when they found that
PERMISSION to skate on the ponds in the Park had not
they had gained by their trip the glowing
warmth tnat their bodies mad securcl
by the quick walk in the sharp biting air The ParI
Commissioners, it appears, caught mapping, anv
any way prepared tor MS arrival No appropriatiot
had been made to M the ponds with the proper acconr
modations for visitors, and therefore they did moi
deem II. cxpedient TO open them to the pubic
guarded by the proper and necessary precautions
Many people grumbled and talked about "red
tape" but the sensible portion OF The skaters UNDER
stood the OBJECT OF tho Commissioners and returned
home 10 patiently await the hosting OF the ball, when
everything would be ready for their reception. 1t IS
Understood that the Park Commissioners will make
every possible haste TO accommodate the skaters aud
exercise their limbs before many hours have passed.
away.
Boy WANTS TO KNOW.
To THE EDfToR HERALp:-
Will you please iniorm me whether we are going 10
have skating IN Central Park or not? Brooklyn is al
ways ahead vi u.s. Ii the commissioners OF Parks cam
not made any appropriation, why don't the lovers Of
this sport subscribe sulicent and have skating
anyhow BY inserting this in your paper you will
oblIge SKATER, aged II
DECEMBER 10.