Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1880-05-22

correspondent writes as follows The new
rig lately invented by Courtney, the oars
man, is attracting considerable attention
in this vicinity. 1t consists of a stationary
scat and sliding framework which COM
prises the foot-braces, outriggers and row
locks. These are firmly united by means
of light steel framework, and the whole
slides together upon slides attached to
each side OF the boat. The same oars and
row-lecks are used as in what he calls the
"old style" The only difference IS that
now the feet and outrlggers slide and the
seat remains stationary. The points OF
advantage claimed are mainly two First,
the center of gravity remains IN the bear
ing center OF the boat, instead of varying
from sixteen to twenty inches during
single stroke In the "old style the
bow rises at the beginning of the stroke
and SINKS towards the finish, greatly, it Is
claimed, to the detrlment of the speed.
Besides, even if this were not a fault, the
very drawing of the body backwards dur
ing the recover is a perceptible hindrance
It is claimed that the above named
defects are obviated, and that the boat
remains trimmed at all times during the
stroke and recover. Secondly, it is a great
saving of strength. The difference in
pounds OF actual direct pull between pull
ing the body backwards, in the "od
style" and the framework forwards, in the
new, is about forty pounds for Courtney
The amount of exertIon saved by the new
apparatus would, Of course, vary with the
weight of the rover. Forty pounds saved
at every stroke undoubtedly means victory
for the man who has that advantage, other
things being equal. There are various
opinions among those who who are ac
quainted with The working of the new in
vention, some claiming, that in tiye-mile
race. Courtney, supposing him equal to
Hanlan as an oarsman, would be able, with
the help of his new boat to give the latter
one mile in five; others say that 1t Is OF
little actual advantage. 1t Is claimed,
however, by those who know, that he can
row with ease a quarter of a mile at his
utmost speed; that Harmon with the new
rig can beat Courtney with the old, etc.
We viii be content with leaving speeula-
ton on the subject to your rowing editors.
No drawing OF the new apparatus can be
sent, for 1t has not yet been visible to pro-
fame eyes. After sitting all the current
gossip ON the subject, and the stories told
90 in confidence, the above will be found
to he all that there is Of or claimed for,
the invention. Esprit of the Times.
QUEER CATCHES. in his article on
Pollack in the London Field, incidentally
describes couple OF singular catches ::
'sThe most curious catch | ever heard of
was made by my son last autumn. This
was a sun-fish M0la rotundG) weighing
fiftt three pounds. 1t was Just like a
round table set on edge, with a long fin on
the upper and another on the lower side, a
queer face ike guinea pig, and no tail
worth mentioning. 1t took a red eel.
They are not uncommon here, and are
sometimes GATED when asleep on the top
of the water, but this is the only instance
| have ever heard of one taking bait.
Have any of your readers met with SINH
lar instance? Curiously enough the next
day he caught bird-one OF the guile
mots, | think. 1t made several dives after
the bait, and was at last caught by the
wing. 1t screamed Just like child, and
bit so viciously that he had great diff
Guilty in unlocking it. When at last he
succeeded, he threw it into the air, and
though perfectly unhurt, it dropped on the
water close to the boat, ducked its head
and washed itself, took drink of water,
Owed, and he saw it no more"
. SPORTING ITEMS. The majority of local
events in sporting circles are recorded from
day to day in our local columns. and hence
only leading matters of local Importance
are again presented in this column. During
the past ten days there have been some ex-
celent wing and glass-ball shooting, and
some fue practice with the rifle, in this
section 1t is to be hoped that the new
Rifle Club now in process of organization
will prove an active one, and live institu-
I ton. 1t is much needed here, and
( the competition between it and the
old clubs will awaken renewed in
terest in the use of this arm. 80.
The proposed bicycle club has not been
heard FROM Has the idea been given up
! We hope not -. The Blood Horse Asso-
citation was solicited to fix programme for
the State Agricultural Society, but the
former wanted more money put up than
the latter deemed necessary, and as con-
sequence the Society this week took hold
of the matter itself and has arranged a
programme of excellence, and one that
gives promise of rare sport at the fall ex-
/ hibition.
| ARcHERY.-The revival of the archery
I interest about Sacramento is general aud
4 some of the best recorded scores are being
made here.