the driving-wheels are only about thirty-six inches in diameter, and thus, when the rider overbalances himself, he can drop sideways upon the one leg or the other without injuring himself or the bicycle, which he would be liable to do were he upon a large modern machine.

Before any one who wishes to become a bicyclist is able to ride he must learn the art of balancing. This is easily acquired in three or four lessons given by a practical hand. When the rider inclines too much to either side and thus falls outside the centre of gravity, he must, by turning his wheel in the direction in which he is falling, recover his balance. When proficient, this is done mechanically, that is to say, without thought or effort, just as is the case in walking. In London and other large towns there are "schools" especially devoted to giving instruction in bicycling, where, for a fee of about half a guinea, they undertake to impart the necessary knowledge. For those living in the country it is often a good plan to procure a "boneshaker," and, with the assistance of a friend, persevere until the art of steering is mastered.

THE CLUB" OR MODERN ROAD BICYCLE.

ROAD-RIDING is, of course, the principal use to which the bicycle is put, but it is very desirable that the novice should not ride upon frequented roads until he is thoroughly conversant with the management of his bicycle, for it must not be thought that the acquisition of the art of balancing is all that is necessary to make a perfect rider. Some persons show far greater aptitude for bicycling than others just as there are men who would never make good,

oarsmen or cricketers, so there are many who from clumsiness or timidity will never become proficient bicyclists.

After various opinions by different magistrates, it was ultimately and finally decided, by the Court of Queen's Bench, that a bicycle is a carriage, and, as such, it has to conform to the same rules of the road as regulate the ordinary traffic. These rules require that in meeting other carriages, horses, &c., the left-hand side of the road must be taken; whilst in overtaking, the rider or driver must pass upon the right, except, of course, when anything is coming, when he has to give way, and wait his opportunity. It is very important that this rule should be adhered to, as, in the event of an accident, any departure from it would tell against the person who was in error. In addition to this regulation, the several counties of England are empowered by Act of Parliament to adopt a code of byelaws for the observance of bicyclists, and this has been done in many instances. These county byelaws are nearly identical, and enjoin that no bicyclist shall ride or impel his bicycle upon the footpath; that between sunset and sunrise he shall, when riding, carry a lamp; that when overtaking any person or carriage he shall give notice of his approach by a bell or whistle; and that when meeting a fractious horse he must cismount if requested. The non-observance of these regulations renders the bicyclist liable to be summoned by the police and fined. But although, as a carriage, the bicycle is amenable to certain rules, its rider is also entitled to privileges, and other riders and drivers are compelled to give him room to pass, and otherwise treat him with consideration. In travelling about, experience is, of course, the best teacher, but many dangers which the bicyclist meets with may be averted or mitigated by timely advice. It should be remembered that, carelessiy or recklessly used, the bicycle is a very dangerous machine, but a steady and cautious rider rarely meets with any serious mishap. The descent of steep hills is generally the immediate cause of accidents, by the rider allowing his machine to become unmanageable, until, having gathered great speed, it perhaps meets some obstruction. It should be a rule with every bicyclist never to let his machine get beyond his control upon any descent of which he knows nothing, and only to let it have full play when the foot of the hill can be seen, and no carriage or person is visible. Care should always be taken in passing equestrians, and should a horse show signs of being alarmed, the bicyclist, unless requested to dismount, according to the byelaws, had far better ride as slowly as possible, speaking to the horse to reassure it, as a sudden dismount frequently frightens a horse more than the sight of the bicycle. In turning corners, and riding in towns or after dark, a slower pace and greater care should be maintained, and we cannot too strongly impress upon all bicyclists the great desirability of extending to all other travellers upon the highway that courtesy which a consideration for others demands.

Bicycles are chiefly used in the summer months, when the days are long and the roads dry and smooth. In winter, when fresh stones are put down to renew the worn surfaces of the highways, which are soft with mud and rain, bicycles become scarce, as the pleasure of riding is diminished and the labour increased. However, when the roads are frozen, and the cart-ruts beaten down, the bicycle may be brought out, and may even be safely ridden upon the ice if the wheel is not turned too sharply. The best dress for riding in is a serge or tweed suit composed of a jacket and knee-breeches or knickerbockers, with stockings and shoes, and a soft light hat.

CYCLING.

TOURING, as an extension of road-riding, forms the most practical use which is made of the bicycle, and when thus travelling the rider is quite independent of trains or coaches, and can carry with him all the luggage necessary for an excursion of three or four weeks' duration. When touring for pleasure and visiting places of interest, forty to sixty miles a day is a fair average distance, although, of course, much depends upon the capabilities of the rider, the weather, roads, &c. In travelling about it is necessary to be provided with maps showing all the roads and towns, otherwise it is impossible to shape a course. By the aid of good maps and the excellent roads with which England abounds, the bicyclist can visit any place of interest his time admits of.

Like everything else, bicycle riding when abused disgusts rather than charms, yet there are a great number of bicyclists who overtax their powers when physically unfit for severe or prolonged exertion, and finding no pleasure in such foolish acts, they naturally abandon that which, when pursued in a rational manner, is one of the finest and most invigorating of modern pastimes. When by continuous practice or judicious training a rider has prepared himself for the task, he may safely engage in a trial of strength which to others would be fraught with danger, and take part in races and long rides. Boys especially should avoid over-exertion, which the bicycle unfortunately affords exceptional facilities for; they should endeavour when riding always to keep well within their powers.

Many extraordinary feats have been performed with the bicycle upon the road. One hundred miles between Bath and London has been ridden in 8 hours 23 minutes with an adverse, and in 7 hours 18 minutes with a favourable wind.

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Two riders rode in 1880 from Land's End to John o' Groats-nine hundred miles-in thirteen days. The two hundred miles between London and York have been covered within twenty-four hours, whilst rides of over one hundred miles a day are of common occurrence. Forty to sixty mile runs are frequently made without a dismount, and few hills are too steep to be ascended by a good rider. In 1878 the distance covered by a single bicyclist amounted in the aggregate to 7,046 miles.

THE SAFETY BICYCLE (MESSRS. HILLMAN, HERBERT AND COOPER).

RACING upon bicycles, owing principally to the wonderful speed attained, is the most exciting of all athletic sports, and has risen in high favour amongst those who are interested in such contests. Upon almost every Saturday afternoon throughout the summer, race-meetings are held at the various grounds in London and the provinces. Racing, however, is a phase of bicycling which to succeed in requires special preparation and training; without this the violent exertion is injurious. In no case should boys be allowed to compete till they have done growing. Owing to the varied abilities of the riders, the races are generally what are called handicaps; that is to say, each man is given so many yards start of the fastest rider, according to his capabilities. Every year since bicycle racing commenced faster times have been made than were previously recorded. The quickest time for one mile is 2 minutes 31 seconds. Five miles have been covered within 14 minutes: ten within 28 minutes; and more than twenty miles in the hour. The best time for fifty miles is 2 hours 29 minutes 41 seconds.

TRICKS AND FANCY RIDING.-Some very amusing tricks can be performed upon the bicycle, and in these boys and youths generally excel, as it depends so much upon activity and quickness. The rider quickly learns to dismount by the treadle, as it is the easiest and most useful of all methods. Mounting by the treadle is, however, more difficult. It is effected by walking along upon the left-hand side of the bicycle, and just before the left treadle reaches the lowest point, the left foot is placed upon it, and springing from the other foot

while holding the handles, the saddle is reached, and the right foot pressed upon the treadle on that side, which is then commencing to descend. When neatly done this is very effective. Remaining stationary in the saddle is done by turning the wheel to the left at an angle of about forty-five degrees when moving very slowly, and the treadles are both on a level with the axle; the balance is maintained by pressure upon the treadles, according to the side to which the weight inclines. Endless tricks may be added, such as vaulting in and out of the saddle, dismounting by throwing either leg over the handles from one side to the other, riding side-saddle, also upon the front wheel only, by raising the hind wheel and balancing with the treadles, but this is very difficult and requires great practice.

BICYCLE CLUBS are very numerous, there being about one hundred established in London alone, whilst every town of note possesses one or more. These clubs hold runs every Saturday throughout the summer months and when the weather permits, the members, meeting at some convenient place, ride out together into the country fifteen or twenty miles, returning in the evening. The more influential of the clubs hold annual race-meetings, and in other ways seek to promote bicycling. The principal object of belonging to a club is that you can make the acquaintance of other bicyclists, and in this way secure companions for private runs and tours.

STRUCTURALLY the bicycle has undergone vast and radical improvements since it was first introduced. Perhaps the most important change has been in the substitution of india-rubber for iron tires. At first this was effected by fastening a band of rubber over the other tire, but a hollow rim or felloe is now used, in which the rubber is cemented. Wire is used for the spokes, and the principle of the wheel is thus altered from compression to suspension. The driving-wheel has been increased to upwards of 60 inches in diameter in some cases, and the trailing-wheel diminished to 16 or 18 inches. The backbone, the forks, and even the spokes, are now made hollow, as this gives both lightness and rigidity. Small steel spheres or balls are used in the bearings, and the vibration felt in riding is subdued by the employment of india-rubber in various places. The weight of the ordinary road-bicycle averages about 40 lbs., and the prices vary from £10 to £20.

The general character of the Modern Safety Bicycle is so familiar, that beyond our illustration on p. 107 no description is needful.

TRICYCLES. Although not so easy of propulsion as, and therefore slower than, the bicycle, the tricycle has its advantages. More luggage can be carried, and the rider may stop when he pleases without having to dismount. There is a far greater difference between these machines than is the case with bicycles. In some instances the treadles revolve and turn the drivingwheels by means of an endless chain; in others levers are used, and the feet move only up and down. Tricycles are used in some places by postmen and the police, and they are found very convenient by doctors and others who have to go about a great deal. They are, of course, considerably heavier than bicycles, and generally cost nearly £20.

Double tricycles are also in demand. The old kind in which the riders sit side by side are called "Sociables," the new kind in which one rider sits behind the other are known as "Tandems."

With regard to machines in general, it will be found advisable to learn on a hired machine, and when proficient, to buy a good machine from a good maker.