Sunday, April 16, 2006

Chiswick Eyot, 1895

There are those who believe that with the increased purification of the Thames, the next generation may perhaps throw a salmon-fly from Chiswick Eyot. In the early summer of 1895 a fine porpoise appeared above the island. At half-past eight it followed the ebb down the river, having "proved" the stream for forty miles from its mouth, and being apparently well pleased with its condition. At Putney it lingered, as might be expected of a Thames porpoise, opposite a public-house. Two sportsmen went out in a boat to shoot it; instead, they hit some spectators on the bank. Flowers abound on the eyot.

http://explorion.net/c.j.cornish-naturalist-thames/page-68.html

Monday, April 10, 2006

South Hamilton, 1901

The players' tempers flared in the first round -- played Thursday morning in a swirling wind -- as even well-struck balls found trouble. Anderson, misreading three short putts, was quietly seething by the end of his round, an 84. As he and the other professionals gathered for lunch outside the stately clubhouse, a Myopia member informed them that they must eat in the kitchen. Anderson, muttering in his North Berwick burr, began swinging his mashie faster and faster near the member until he sent a sizable patch of turf flying. The member fled into the clubhouse, then returned to say that a lunch tent would be raised for the players.

http://www.golfonline.com/golfonline/features/history/article/0,17742,467841,00.html