be ascertained, the Leander Club did not exist in 1820, but it was in full swing in 1825, and in 1830.was looked upon as a well-known and long-established boat club.
In 3837, 1838, and 1841 Leander rowed races against Cambridge, losing the first and winning the last, whilst in 1838 the race was declared a draw owing to fouling.
In all three the course was from Westminster to Putney.
In 1839 Leander was beaten for the Grand Challenge Cup at Henley by the Oxford Etonians ; but in 1840 the Leander crew won the Cup, whilst in 1841 they came in first, but were disqualified on a foul, In consequence of this Leander did not again compete for the G.C.C, till 1858," as the Club considered the ruling of the Umpire unfair,
Meanwhile, however, in 1843, -4, and —5 Leander won the Chal- Jenge Cup at the Thames Regatta, and between 1843 and 1855 Leander won the Presentation Cup at Erith for Four-oars, several times,
Leander, however, was as much a social association as a com- peting rowing club. Up till 1856 the number of members was limiled to twenty-five men, who used to meet at Westminster once ar twice a week, and row to Putney or Greenwich, and take dinner together, Sometimes they would go to the Albert Docks, and dine on board a ship, at the expense of onc of their members, who was a large shipowner.
After 1856 the number of members was increased to thirly-five, and in 1862 the Club was put on a more modern footing after the example of the London Rowing Club, and no limit was put on the number of members.
The Club quarters were moved to Putney, where a small piece of ground was rented on which a tent was erected for housing boats. This piece of ground was acquired by the London Rowing Club in 1864, and on it was built the present 1..R,C. boat-house. Leander, however, were able to get a lease of a piece of land adjoining, and in 1866 built a boat-house, which still exists, though the Club has of late thought of departing from Putney and establishing themselves on one of the upper reaches of the Thames.
The rowing successes of Leander of late years have not been very great, though a Leander crew is always formidable ‘on paper’ and
2 ‘The Leander entry at Henley, 1858, arose thus. A mixed team of old Blues of 4ofi colours got up an eight, and qualified by rowing under the
Leander flag,