THE HARVARD-COLUMBIA RACE.

On account of the weather, the Harvard-Columbia race, which was to have been rowed the day before Class-Day, took place June 27th. The Columbia crew was practically the same that won in '86, and one could see in watching them at practice that they got a great deal of speed out of their boat. Harvard, on the other hand, had an almost entirely new crew, and there were some fears that lack of experience might prove a serious handicap. The eight were powerful men, however, and it was generally supposed that the race would be very close, as it certainly proved to be.

The race was to be rowed at half-past five, provided weather permitted, and owing to the promptness of the referee, Mr. Clifford H. Watson, both boats were on the line at that time. As to the spectators, very ample accommodations had been provided. The observation train, which usually appears only at Yale races, was on hand, covered with bunting and ribbons. Columbia's color seemed to predominate, but Harvard cheering seemed louder and heartier than that of her New York rivals. All the New London steamboats, too, were there-the Manhansettel, the Osprey and the Cecile-besides two or three steam yachts all prepared to follow the boats over the course.

As to the conditions, they were wonderfully fine. The river was very calm, and whatever wind there was blew directly down the course. The tide, too, had turned, and everything seemed favorable for fast time, although it was hardly thought the record would be beaten. Harvard used her new English boat, about which so much has been said. Columbia rowed in a Waters shell.

At just 5.37 the word "Go" was given, and the boats were off. The start was very even, Harvard having a slight advantage. Before the quarter mile was reached, however, Columbia had caught up with her rivals, and urged on by the frantic cheers of their supporters on land and water, the two boats flew down the river. At this point, Harvard was rowing 35 and Columbia 38 strokes to the minute.

At the half-mile flag, Columbia, if anything, had the advantage, although from the steamboats the boats appeared to be literally neck and neck. At this point both crews were in excellent rowing form. Harvard's work seemed somewhat steadier, however, and to an observer they hardly seemed to be making as much exertion as were their blue and white antagonists.

Harvard passed the mile flag first in 4.59, Columbia being but two seconds behind. From this point Storrow let the stroke down to 33, while Columbia still stuck to 37 or 38. The boats were now approaching the dreaded eel-grass, and it was hoped that here Harvard would shake off her rivals, which she immediately proceeded to do. Columbia's work here seemed a little ragged. No. 7 was losing form and No. 3 was badly out of time. Harvard, however, seemed in excellent condition, their body-work being especially fine.

At the 11/2 mile flag Columbia was over three lengths behind, and the gap between the two boats was widening at every stroke. The eel-grass certainly was having an effect which urged Harvard on to greater efforts. To those who have never seen the course, it may be of interest to know that it is not eel-grass itself that causes all the trouble. The grass does not get caught in the oars and clog the course of the boat, but it deadens the water, making the tide much weaker than it is in the west side in the channel. But to return to the race.

As the boats passed the Navy Yard, which is just opposite the two-mile flag, Harvard had five lengths of open water, and it seemed almost certain that Columbia would be defeated unless some unforeseen accident occurred. The Freshman crew had stationed themselves on an old wharf at this point in the race, and seemed much pleased with the success of the 'Varsity, uttering loud shouts of approval. Harvard passed the two-and-a-half mile flag in