The New York herald., 1876-12-03
THE ICE PONDS.
PROMISE OF SKATING IN NRw YORK At AN
EARLY pAY-TNN MrDpLE AT THE PARK

PROMISE OF SKATING IN NRw YORK At AN
EARLY pAY-THs MUDDLE AT THE PARK
FIRST DAY or THE PAsTaiE IN BROOKLYN.
Truly The carpers who complain o. the Deterioration
OF The American winter must be satisfied with the
aspect Of The one coming upon us. II has CON.
menccd It's career like hon. indeed, and tho benumb.
ing effects OF the Arciic temperature Of the past few
days has been far from pleasant TO the pcdes
tr,ans obliged 10 brave II Tor hours While
the poor and riendcss butterfly bewaii
sho severity OF Tho weather there thousands OF
all ages in this city and vicinity who greet with
fegned pleasure tho mercury in The ncighborhood Of
zero as n means 30 them season OF agreeable and
heathfui exercise in the pastime OF skating THIS
amusement yields in popular favor 10 no other out
door sport /, graceful and Is suited to persons OF
widely different physical powers The strongest
athletes may exhaust himself IN violent exertions
and different evolutions, yet 'foeble person
pass hours IN tho gcn,lcr and easier move
ments without the least difficulty. The
sport Is as fashionable as u Is popular IN this latitude
ana IL Is diversion whica both JON IN on
iair and equal terms. Next waking there cannot
be imagined exercise more harmless when taken In
moderation, nor one better calculated to strengthen
ana develop the limos and lungs Fo-' these among
many ether cogcns reasons has the pastimc always
commended liseIi TO The men ana women and the boys
and gtfs oi New YORK and Tue cities surrounding "
The announcement that the 'bali Is up al the head OF
the Museum flagstaff IN tie Park sets Susie aud
Tommy and Jacky and Sissy IN a terrible coinmotion.
Homes are suddenly invaded by tho i;tlc ones, and
mothers almost bothered TO death Tor permission 20
allow the children an hour or two OF The cxharaling
enjoyment which the smooth solid surface OF the 100
readily furnishes Tns old story oi years
gone by aud the promise OF ts carly recurrence has
gwen tongue 10 the giadsomc news that the rapidly
forming ice on the Park ponds would soon allow tho
renewal OF the bracns spori.
But there seem 10 be obstacles IN the way of this
hoped ior result entirely unexpected and which tho
young people VIII iail 10 understand These arse
to make the usual ana necessary arrnnsc-
menis to accommodate aud make comfortable
the thousands who VISIT the ponds under their charge
As yet The least has been attempted put
place lhc buildings used by Tho The
gwen Is want OF money. and because the Commits
sioners provided with tins useful article.
the tear that nothing be done TO make the Park, u
the matter o ssatns the Pheasant place u has been In
wntcrs gone by. large sum OF money, say the Com.
missoncrs, - necessary 10 keep The leo IN con
diuon, particularly II there is much snow.
There arc tbirysiS acres oil water which are frozon
and used by tho public IN severe cold weather,
ana TO ,ook alter the quantity OF ice in tho manner
required keep the surface smooth and hard, ro-
qurcs large stan OF men, who must DO paid Tor their
labor. With no money at their disposal The mon can
not DO hired and tho work. consequently must be left
undone. While segrcttng this condition Of AFFAIRS
the commissioners hold that skating is u luxury
which can be omitted IN the rark without dctrlmcns
the place, yet Presiden. Martin hns re
qucscd or will request at an carly day, the
Board Of Estimate ana Apporlionmont to transfer
u OF money necessary to make the usual arrange.
menisor cleaning the ice, putting up the houses and
employing the stan OF lsborcrs which tho Work will
require That he will succeed every boy and girl and
every man and woman III the city who loves skating
viii heartily wish An inspcction OF tho ponds VI tho
PARK yes tcrday showed that rapidly forming
them ALL while tho Conservatory Pond was covered
TO depth OF two inches. lew days more and skat-
ing viii possible. and if there is but liie tho
opportunity TO enjoy the mport VIII be the same
ever, thoagh the usual cohiorts attending IL will be
found wanting.
rng FIRST DAy's
Throughout yesterday ana until laie last evening
the captolne Lake. Brooklyn, was open to the public
and hcd with VISITORS II the nrst day skating,
and seemed 10 be disposition to mako the most
OF II. Many came from New York and remained untn
the propretors closed the gates Tho In iail
condition and the temperature delightful for the
amusement With such uuspicious beginning
there are promises oi a prolonged season OF thu
healthy recreation IN The city OF Churches.