New-York tribune., 1901-10-20
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YACHTS ON THE PARK LAKE.

1t is a cosmopolitan crowd that collects around
Conservatory Lake, in Central Park, on pleasant
afternoons either to manage the tiny baIks that
dot the water to watch the fun of the others as
spectators. Men, women and children there
from all parts of the city Representatives of aris
tocratic upper West Side neig ghborhoods and un-
classified ranks of the lower East Side, and all
are absorbed alike in the common sport Fathers
are helping sons giving willing aid to fathers,
mothers sharing the pleasure and work of both,
sightseers lending hand to every one, and gamins
hiring out for few pennies hour to play with
the rest. Every one has long stick, and spends
the entire time hurryng from side side of the
little lake to from the peris OF the shore his
special charge. Some men and hig boys. favored
by fortune, have two three crafts the
same time. and it is by their fortune that the
youngsters too poor to own boats profit. For since
the owner of boat cannot be everywhere at the
same time helper is always needed, to make
that while boat is making port at one
point another is not being wrecked at another.
1t is often the poorest little fellows who have
the charge of the best boats. and come in for a
large share of the pleasure, and earn stipend be
sides. 1t was one of these boys, a small son of
Erin. who pointed proudly to one of the champions
of the lake the other day as "our boat" Il like
to come here he said, because every time l
come 1 learn something, and 1t Is good TO know
things about boats"
All sorts of reasons for being employed in the
sport given by the grown-ups. The fathers
and mothers, of course, make the ever ready eN-
of accompanying their OFFSPRING; serious idcSc
men, with exact models of famous cup takers.
which cost big prices claim TO be studying sea-
manship,' while others frankly admit the charnl
of boat and pond. Among the last class are
old salts who are always to be found there anu
who, exiled from their native element, ma no END
of comfort in the general sport They are the ones
who delight to aid every one, and run about the
lake with sticks and give serious lessons IN sea,
manship. A venerable sailor in his ninetyothiI3 q
year is one of the most enthusiastic requIltels 4t
the place. and hovers about the bank. p0klng ms
little boat from the shore with all the zeal that ne
could ever have shown for a larger craft ~
From all sides one hears seataTing terms. She ;
soms hoy 40 as his Hnch H Boat runs Alongside rival
She's gathering way! yeils another youngster'
emily and nfrequently the conversation gets
salty that 1t is quite beyond the lay lnteiil-
1t the day after the victory of the Columbia
nar mana 1te ber oo4 bs was one dav or two AGA
man had it, but 1t got SO badly beaten @ that 1 ne
when she comes out again she will have another
name" 49,.
silver cups have been in races on the little
lake but the usual prizes are 81 2t a smPGp ] Ia f
used: Among the chiidrens boats homeIhade oiiGS
are in highest favor, and many of the boys build
is familiar figure In the park, and II is IN ms
home that many of the boats are constructed and
finds group of boys gathered in his workshop
learning boat building and salling as well "a as an an
most eager pupils are not over six years old.
me mfht step s ooa IN the f4PIa SuPn oE nurn
fingers the next recognize by name the diff
ferent parts of boat. After that the class goes
to the lake. where the boys learn manage a
boat the water. The boats made and used 10y
the boys exactly resemble big racing yachts, except
that they lack the balloon jib and spluGaker sail
OF the latter These are omitted because they re-
quire that some shall he on board to manage
them, aud that is impossible, Of course. on a
miniature boat.
Boys love 10 whIttle and the mornings spent
with their teacher happy ones OF course, the
boys work better some days than others. but as a
rule they keep at 1t until their small hands tire
At first hour and half eXhauSts their strength
and ambition but after they get used to the work
IL unusual Tor them to stay for three or -four
hours Little girls do not make boats. but several
have had their boats, and enjoyed sailing them
| on the lake in the park as much as any Of the
| boys.