The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1898-04-04
ALONG THE BOULEVARD
Signs Of Spring Everywhere
Apparent in Spite of
Blustery Weather.

Sunday was a blustery day on the
Boulevard. Those who were out had their
hands full of skirts and hats and their
mouths and eyes full of dust. March,
indeed, went out like a lamb, but April
has led the lion back. Most of those who
had spring clothes did not wear them.
There was even a noticeable lack of high
hats and top coats among the sterner sex.
Even the conventional cane was left at
home. The aides were glad to take their
sealskins from the moth balls and muffs
came into play again. There were some
who ventured to show their spring cos
tunes, but they were greatly in the mi
nority. Perhaps the prettiest suit worn
was of dark blue velvet, the skirt plain.
The blouse. with large revers of White
satin, was caught just below the bust by
a steel buckle, n open just enough to
show IN edging of white satin to the waist
line, where it was finished with a velvet
girdle. A blue velvet military collar and
handsome lace tie gave finish to the neck.
The hat was a high crown, dark blue,
fancy straw, which came we'll over the
face and was trimmed with daisies, blue
velvet and a steel buckle. White gloves
were worn with this costume.
The cyclists were out in force, consider
ing the wind. but there was an absence
of ladies. and those who did ride had
great difficulty with skirts and hats. All
the riders kept their heads we'll down out
of the wind, making it almost impossible
to recognize ones friends. There seems
to be nothing very new in the way of suits
this year. Perhaps. after all, the brown
corduroy skirt, with leggins to match and
brown alpine, trimmed with a pretty plaid
scarf. looks best. 1t certainly did yester-
day, when worn by a pretty blonde with
creamy complexion and brown eyes. She
rode well, too, and that may lave had a
good deal to do with it,
The bicycle police were out in force and
made the scorchers moderate their pace.
Riding was particularly good in the Ber-
gen section. The FreebOoters have evil
IDENTIFY had a scare, for that part of the
Boulevard between the railroad bridges
is in excellent condition. Workmen have
administered a fine top dressing of
crushed stone, which rolled into the sand
and mud makes a fine hard surface. All
over the road the benefit of the rain is
apparent. The surface has hardened
and is better than asphalt, the bicycle be-
ing less liable to slip.
There was a good deal Of driving as
usual, and the horses seemed to be the
only things, animate or inanimate, not
affected by the wind. Large parties were
a notable feature of the parade. No
body cared to stay out for any length OF
time. and there were very few out-of-
town cyclists.
A few years ago March, although by
birthright belonging to spring, was con-
sidered a winter month. Gradually the
seasons are all beginning earlier. There
nay even come a time when winter will
commence with November and spring
with February. This year spring has
come much earlier than usual. She has
had M drawbacks in the way of frosts
until now when, according to schedule
the weather should be mild. The soft
warn rains and the sun after the show
ers, rave brought the trees into bud, and
the city show evidence OF almost summer
care. All the farmers speak well FOR
their crops, and dread only the thunder
storms which are sure to follow his
phenomenal weather. Even the Robin,
the first sure sign of spring, has been seen
and heard, and all indications point % an
early suiiiiiei. lHeIt HAS peen mucH
rain this summer. For several years
back both spring and summer have been
particularly dry, all save last July and
August. Pent-up natur must find ven-
sometime. 1t is doubtless due to this
moisture in the ground hat vegetable
growth is doing so well.
The spirit of spring is dominant every
where, Turing people from the house and
to the country. Traffic is increased, and
the seashore resorts begin to show
signs Of life.