The morning call., 1893-06-04

ten hours per day. is developed. This is
three times as much water-power as any
other Southern city has, and is eXcelled by
only a few other places in the United
States.
While the attention of every visitor is at
once drawn to the dam and It's resultant
magnificent waterfall, the interest of every
one centers in the superb lake on which
the grand International regatta is to be
rowed.
When it is attempted to describe its
many and varied beauties words fail the
writer. 1t must be seen to be appreciated.
Stretching back from the massive granite
structure which has so successfully sue
ceeded in bridling its on-rushing current
for a distance of thirty-fve miles, has
been formed a lake of wonderful proper
tions-the largest artificial lake 10 the
world.
1t has an average width of three-eighths
of mile and is navigable for a distance Of
twenty-five miles. Already steamers and
launches are plying it's placid bosom, car
rying their loads of eXcursioniSts by day.
light and moonlight. There is now in
course of construction a steamer $50 feet
in length, double-decker, and capable of
carrying $500 people, which will very
shortly be completed.
ANY approximately correct description
OF this beautiful lake is apt TO be chaTac-
teriZed by those who have never seen it as
eXtravagant and untrue.
1t winds amid lofty hills and noun
talns-a silver streak in an ocean of green
foliage-and there is an ever-changing
panorama of charming scenery through
out its entire length; here hill slopes
gently down to the rppling waters edge,
there perpendicular cliff rises sheer from
the water, and yOnder a mountain peak
stands sentinel thousand feet above the
blue waters of the lake.
AS the visitor proceeds up this magnifi-
cent stretch, small bays, CULTS and inden-
tations are passed on every side. inviting
exploration and an examination and in
spection of their charms.
As to that section of the lake On which
the intern atonal battle of the oars will be
fought, the oarsmen are a unit in saying
that as rowing-place and thing of
great and enduring beauty it cannot be
surpassed. Tho professional race will be
rowed over tie course a distance of mile
and half and turn.
The surface of the lake, being protected
by the high bluffs on either side from the
wind, is calm and smooth at all times. The
water is deep and still. ranging over the
course to be rowed from fifty-6ve to sixty
feet. In fact it is an ideal racecourse. The
lakes banks were all cleared off before the
land was submerged, and as a result there
are no Snags in the water on which the
frail racing-shells could strike and become
injured. the water is also free from
rusnes and similar underground, which
proves such disagreeabe obstruction on
so many courses.
On the east bank Of the river has been
erected grand stand with seating capac-
lty for 1000 spectators. rooted and shaded
from The SUMS rays. 1t is right at the
starting and finishing point, and as the
turning stakes will also be in full view of
the stand the entire race can be witnessed
by every man, woman and child in the
stand from the moment the starting signal
has been given until the battle has been
fought and the victory won.
The beauties and advantages claimed for
the dam lake by the citizens of Austin are
admitted by our visitors, more particularly
by the aggregation OF professional aquatic
talent now here. than whom 1t would be
impossible to find better judges.
Hanlan, eX-cham pion of the world, and
Ten Eyck an oarsman OF world wide rep
utatl0n, both of whom are here for the
race-men who have rowed on every
course In the world-say there is nothing
that can compare with it; that it has all
tile advantages of the best and the disad-
yantages of none.
In addition to its attractions as a water
course the climate of Austin is such as to
at once appeal to the heart of the Oarsman
and his trainer as a suitable place to ply
sically condition himself for hard-fought
contest.