New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-12-27
OPENING OF THE SKATING SEASON.

SCENES AT CENTRAL AND PROSPECT PARKS
LARGE CROWDS AT THE GREAI LAKE IN CENTRAL
PARK AND AT THE BROOKLYN GRoUNDs-PR0s-
PECTs OF EXCELLENT SPORT FOR SOME lime.
The flag at the large lake in Central Park
was hOisted at yesterday tor the nrst time this
season. and It not long before smaller ha2s were
waving the Of the various companies.
In wonderfully short time OF all ages began to
flock toward the Park and by loon at least $500
skaters careerIng over the smooth surface OF tho
lake. New arrivals sweled the gathering every mo-
ment ana 1t Ia probable that during the day 10000
persons enjoyed their first days skating this season.
Contrary 70 what might have been expected,
the larger number OF skaters In the morning
ladies, only few gentlemen being pres
eut. In the afternoon the attendance increased
greatly legion OF small boys swarmed over the ice.
Many Of who had seemed 10 enjoy them
selves hugely sliding about, getting In eyeryones
way and upseting a number o skaters. AS IL ls now
In the schools ana colleges, large number OK
large western end OF the lake open 10 tue skaters the
eastern part the Mall beng closed as the passage
under the bridge not been entirely frozen over The
small lake Will not be used for skating thIs year.
Tue same threestOry wooden building that mas been
used in former years stands by the large lake 1t con-
the restaurant aud wating-rooms heated ~ sew
eral Steps in front lead down TO the zee
The cold weather preceding the Storm OF last satur-
day formed ice about three inches thick on tie large
l. TO the bottom The cold weather that tGao"St
new fc the best 1t is said, that has been on the lake
for years. II the present weather continues
FOR few the will be IN excellent condition. and
skating Is saId may be prolonged into February At
present preparations have been made 10 illuminate
the lake night with the electric light Us the expense
IL is thought would DO too great
The red ball went up cstsrday ri Prospect PARK,
much to the 10y those who had banked VI An an
ueIpated Christmas All day the long, serpen
tine lake crowded with skaters: Considering the
boisterOus gales OF the last week. toe Ice was IN excel
condition The customary precautions for the public
safety had been TAKEN and many OF me PARK oncdls
present t. secure order but they bad little 10 DO
The spectacle presented In tue afternoon was
very animated. In expectation Of snow
storm to-day, all who could get away from
business aud other duties were present Every
species OF small boy TO be seen ON every KING OF
skate The beginners were numerous. They inrKed IN
quiet corners where they could MAKE spread eagles or
see soar systems. Parents put sons aud daughters
through the mysteries or the goose step III Is esu-
mate tAaT than 1000 persons were an the ice
"A any one lime afLeT . =. AT D y. H., when Inc
lamps " lighted and threw a ruddy gov around, at
least 1000 skaters were present No skating was per-
mtted under the bridges. but II the present severe
frost continues this restriction Will be removed Very
few spots marked dangerous
skang was Indui ged IN The Captoliue Grounds also,
but chiefly by meu. as the air was very Keen