CANOES AND CANOEING.

The strong feeling of affection with which the canoe is regarded by its admirers both in this country and abroad, had its origin in the cruise made by Mr. McGregor of London, some thirty years ago, and to his graphic descriptions of his trips in foreign Iands is directly traceable the great popularity which this most delightful of sports now enjoys-indeed he is styled and justly so, the father of modern canoe cruising. Previous to that time the canoe was popularly known in only its original types, the birch bark and the more primitive dugout. Its utility for hunting purposes was recognized, but the making of long cruises, running rapids and riding heavy seas, things which are now an every day experience, were never dreamt of, and considering the canoe's then far from perfect state, would have proved difficult and dangerous achievements. And as for the use of sails, the mere suggestion would probably have been considered a freak of insanity. Gradually, however, the readers of McGregor's lonely and adventurous cruise on the Nile, Jordan and other rivers, began to attempt like feats, and in this way there sprung up a desire for a more serviceable canoe, which has resulted in its attaining its present state of perfection. The application of ingenuity and skill and the constant study of the canoe have ended in the production of as many and varied types of it as of other branches of watercraft ; so that now the purchaser of one must, with so wide a choice, exercise great discretion. The character of the water in which he proposes to cruise and his own physical strength are to be taken into consideration. Should the canoe be desired for use along the seaboard or on large lakes, a sailing canoe of the Nautilus or Rob Roy types, a good sea-boat and one easy to manage, will not aurally be selected. These canoes are somewhat heavy and are not easy to transport on land as it is not supposed that there will be much need of that kind of work. On the contrary, if the canoe is intended for inland use on lakes, rivers and for general service, lightness is of primary importance, as the owner will find after he has "packed" it across one or two hard carries. Strength, speed and swiftness are essential and here is where the question of the physique and general build of the canoeist comes in ; for a canoe that is suitable for a man weighing two hundred pounds is utterly unfit for one of one hundred and thirty. Its size, weight and dimensions are to be carefully observed with special deference to the person who is to use it. In no other class of boats, unless it be the shell, is this consideration of so great importance. The canoe must be exactly fitted to the canoeist in order that the maximum of speed and comfort may be attained. It is a matter of taste whether the canoe shall be constructed of paper or wood, but if two canoes of the same dimensions are placed side by side it will be observed that the paper one is much lighter, stiffer, and of greater strength. Its lines are firmer and owing to the fact that the paper skin is varnished over its waterproofing, it presents a perfectly smooth surface to the water, unbroken by seam or joint. Nor does it warp or shrink in the sun as much as the wooden one. The paper canoe is also more durable, will last longer and stand harder knocks, because a shock which will only bend or at most cut a hole in it, will completely shatter a wooden one.

For use with a sail, the wooden canoe is in some respects to be preferred, as it is somewhat stauncher and will not so easily upset, moreover, it is easier to get right side up after a capsize, a quality which the canoeist soon learns to appreciate.

For making long trips into the woods, to places where one is obliged to carry his own boat, the canvass canoe will be found to best answer the purpose, as it is ragged on a wooden frame which folds up into a small compass. They are usually square at the ends and are consequently slow sailors. Moreover, there is one serious objection to them, as the writer has learned from real experience, and it is this-a canvass canoe which weighs when new only twenty pounds will, after a month's knocking about, be found to greatly increase in weight. This may be avoided if the precaution is taken to dry it thoroughly each time after using and not leave it to soak in the water.

Such great care is usually inconvenient to exercise. As to the make of canoe to purchase, it may be said that for wooden paddling canoes, the Stella Marries, Racine, Shadow and Princess, are popular ; while good paper ones are built by Waters of Troy. Good canvass canoes are the Osgood's folding, and Canadian canoes. This brief summary includes only a few of the standard makes.

Canoeing in the United States was given a great impetus by the formation of the American Canoe Association in 1880. This organization is now in a very flourishing condition ; it has about eight hundred members and includes clubs in every part of the country. Under its auspices is held every year a meet at some place easy of access, at which time races, etc., are indulged in, and canoe matters are talked over. This year it is to be at the Thousand Isles.

Cambridge University in England, is, so far as the writer has been able to ascertain, the only college which has ever successfully supported a canoe club. With the advent of the Harvard Canoe Club, it is to be hoped that an enthusiasm may be created which will result in raising this sport to its proper place in the estimation of American college men. Its advantages are so apparent, and the pleasure and profit to be derived from its pursuit is so obvious that description is useless. Suffice is it to say that no one who has once experienced the fascinations of the double blade has ever failed to become its warm admirer.

In conclusion, a word of advice ; "Do not essay canoeing unless you know how to swim well."