Cornell "Henley" Crew.

The progress of the Cornell crew which is to sail in the Henley races in England this summer is being watched with the greatest interest not only by Cornell men but also by many outsiders interested in rowing who are anxious to see how good a showing an American crew will make in competition with the best of English crews.

This week the Cornell crew has taken a few trial spins. The weather has been a severe handicap upon the work of the crew on account of a stiff north wind, which makes it impossible for a shell to live on the rough water.

There has been no change in the make-up of the crew since the official list was given out. Hamilton still hits the stroke up to 50 with perfect ease, and many have an idea that on certain days, when Courtney refuses to allow any one to accompany him on the launch, that the stroke exceeds 50.

At present the men are rowing short sleeves. In the race with the English crews, the Henley regulations call for long sleeves. This will be a certain handicap to the boys when they arrive on the other side, but it is expected after a week's practice they will become accustomed to it and their work will be up to the standard.

The best time that the Cornell Henley crew has made on the lake course is 6.57. This is six seconds slower than the record time for the Henley course, which is 6.51. Last year the Oleander Club won the race in 7.12. Of course, the Henley race is against the current, and there time comparisons are not reliable; but the fact that the Cornell crew is able to row on still water this early in the season within six seconds of the record time is a very clear indication that it is a very fast crew, and will make things lively and interesting for the English oarsmen.

At present the Cornell crew is only able to get out for practice once a day, and that at 5 o'clock in the afternoon, and when they have put in a hard day's work with the brain and most of them with the muscle, also, as they are nearly all taking the mechanical course. The sea voyage, while it will probably reduce them in weight, will invigorate them, and, arriving on the other side, situated pleasantly and with nothing else to do but row as often as the coach deems advisable, it is predicted that they will be more than a match for their opponents.

Courtney is constantly studying the time made over the Henley course, and comparing the time made by his men, and there is a very evident confidence on his part that the comparison is satisfactory.