Sporting notions of present days and past

CHAPTER XIII
ON LONDON
)
S RIFER
I
CANNOT
do better than begin this chapter by
mentioning the Metropolitan Regatta. I may
explain for the benefit of College oarsmen,
probably unaware of its existence and import-
ance, that it is held in July, under the manage-
ment of the London Rowing Club, at Putney,
where the Thames affords opportunities for rowing
even when the 'Varsity crews do not need to
make use of it. If the Metropolitan is not the
greatest regatta on the river it ought to be;
quite as big as Henley, counting one condition
with another. Accident in environment prevents
its being taken up as a fashionable show. For
that some of us are not sorry. Peculiarity of
taste among College oarsmen unfortunately
makes this division hold aloof. For this all of
us are sorry. The metropolitan clubs are
pleased to meet them in action, and welcome
opposition from separate colleges, associated
universities, or individual clubs, such as the
Vikings. As it is, the Metropolitan makes and
has made opportunity for a grand regatta; but
so far as my acquaintance with the accounts goes,
it is most inadequately supported financially out-
side the London Rowing Club, whose members
do subscribe liberally. Thames and Kingston,