The times., 1899-12-31
The weather Bureau Predicts Con
tinued Cold y NeaIEer.

The weather Bureau Predicts Con
tfnued Cold gTeather.
r. was announced by the Weather Bureau
officials last night that the unusually cold
weather that reached the city "Wednesday
would continue until Tuesday. The BIT
ing wind is not expected 10 decrease in
velocity. and il was also said last night
that most Of the lakes and ponds in the
vicinity Of the city would be frozen over
b tomorrow with ice Of sufficient thickness
10 permit Of skating with safety. On the
roads that have not been cleaned Of snow
The sleigh riding viii continue uninter-
Tlpted.
The lowest range OF the mercury since
me present cold period began. was at =
o'clock Friday morning. when the record
was nine degrees above zero but to those
who were cut q doors II seemed much cold
er This was the result Of tne emily wind
that swept down from the north and ed
died and whirIed through the streets. pen
etraung even the thick winter clothing.
The present snow is unique in the his
tory of Washington weather. in Jnat Dc
has remained on the ground for longer
period than the maiden snow OF any pre-
vfous season. and as 3 consequence The
sieighing has been Of longer duration and
cf q better character than had any here
tofore. The result has been 10 ihrOng the
avenues and streets with sleighs and all
manner Of sliding vehicles, from the heavy
country affair to the fashionable family rig
with iIs C0achman and fOOtman and tho
ladies II turs and wraps.
Connecticut Avenue has been gay place
for the past few days. and ~ night the
broad stretch OF Pennsylvania Avenue has
been the scene Of many a spirited dash be-
tween trotrers drawing cutters along the
icy surface under the brilliant lights. on
the hills OF the city there have been hun
dreds and thousands Of children large and
small all intent upon that most entranc-
ing OF sp0rt-coasting On Thirteenth
Street northwest they have pre- empted the
street. and q wagon Is now seldom seen
there. They have 50 packed the snow that
horse cannot stand upon The hillside and
this slope has been given ever 10 youth and
jOlIity with their sleds and double-runners.
Some skating has been the result Of the
chilly wave. and a few young people have
taken advantage Of IT, but the snow has
made The ice so rough as 20 deract from 2
fun enjoyment Of the sport. Al the Fish
Ponds near the Monument. there were a
few skaters. and at the Geological Park a
small quota but most Of those who tried
70 take advantage OF the Ice soon gave up
the attempt An amusing feature Of The
snow has been the mlshaps cf those bicy-
clists who have not ceased riding their
wheels on account Of it, and many have
been the tumbies. ard the corresponding
glee Of the witnesses IN consequence. il
b. almost an impossihility 10 turn q corner
at a good rate of speed b such weather
and many riders have come TO grief. buf q
few falls do not seem TO cause the wheels
10 BE- put aside for the winter and iu snow
and rain alike they are conspicuous.
The Washington horses have learned the
trick d their London cousins. ami when
they are descending HILL OF are called
upon 20 stop suddenly plant their rect
firmly. and slide until they gain q foot
hold Many have had their hoofs over
shOd d. pieces Of blankets and these have
been the only ones proof against the slip
perry payements.
From / Street 10 n or Thirteenth the
hil is the scene of ooasting al All hours
and az night IS brilliant WIth sparkling
lights from the hundreds Of sIeds The
children VIII have ample opportunity 10
enjoy several more days of the sport and
u another snow should come before This
one meits. an extended period of coastine
VIII be 1he result
As soon as the snow commenced 10 fall