Last Saturday the first eight-oared race between in American and
an English University took place over the Putney to Mortlake course, when a Harvard crew was opposed by Cambridge. The weather was perfect, and the race was witnessed by a larger crowd than has ever been seen before along the University course. Cambridge won the foss, and, starting at thirty-seven strokes a minute, soon drew ahead. At Craven Steps they were clear ; at Hammersmith Bridge they led by two and three-quarter lengths ; at Barnes Bridge by three lengths; and finally passed the winning-post two lengths in front of their rivals. No finer race has been seen on the Thames, and both winners and losers are deserving of every commendation. The victory of Cambridge was largely due to their excellent start ; but Harvard adopted the English style of rowing, and it says much for their form that though Cambridge rowed the faster stroke throughout, the lead after the first few minutes was not increased. The whole contest was conceived in a spirit of true sportsmanship, and while we congratulate the English crew, we would also most warmly congratulate their rivals, and express a hope that the future may see many such friendly encounters.
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