Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-09-26

GOOD ROAD.
for once was with us, the road perfect and after
into Joigny-"Johnny" we called il, though
that isn't it exactly-which hes on the side OF
the valley, here sloping to the margin of the
river. The run was in all respects the most en-
joyable we have ever had. fifty-four miles of
easy riding through beautiful country and in
teresting towns, for Villeneuve-sur- Yonne was
another town with portions of the walls and
old gateways remaining and there were still
others almost equally as picturesque.
If some one were to give Johnny" q good
push it would slide off into the river, old gate
way, medieval carved buildings, churches with
advertising posters on the outer walls next the
entrances, and all, and be lost to the sight of
man; all except the name of our hotel. Hotel
du Grand Due de Burgogne," which we think
might show above the surface. One thing We
notice in these small French towns is that
nearly all have their little parks or prone
nades, well shaded with good walks and plenty
Of benches Jeignys promenade, over half .
mile in length along the river bank would do
credit TO manya city which has nothing accessi-
bic but some grass plots adorned with Keep
DOGS AND CYCLISTS
One of the great annoyances to which the
cyclist is subjected in touring in Europe is the
quantity of dogs. Dogs, great and small, noisy
and worse, amuse themselves at every oppor-
-
and some even looking for a good place to take
taste of US. After acquiring considerable
proficiency at kicking such dogs on the way to
Paris we decided that more eficacious method
OF correcting their manners would be to adopt
the custom of the native cyclist Of carrying a
whip Accordingly we provided ourselves with
whips at Paris, and our ride has since been one
grand succession Of triumphs over the canine
race. So anxious, however, were we to try our
new whip on the first rude dog encountered
that We tell of our machine int the dust of the
road, while the dog fled precipitously to return
no more.
FRENCH ROADS.
The French roads have directness about
them that is refreshing. Over hill and vale
they 60 in a straight line for miles at stretch,
and he who delights to ride as the crow flies
finds here just what he wants. Lined with
trees, commonly the poplar, generally without
hedges or walls to obstruct the view the surface
usually excellent, the neatly shaped piles Of
pounded stone arranged at fixed intervals at
the sides. and the kif0meter stones flying past,
there can scarcely be anything superior in ex-
cellence and enjoyment to the average French
road and u ride over it a-wheel. You can have
no trouble in finding your way, for at all cross
roads and forks you will find guide posts. usu-
ally Of cast iron with raised lettering, so that
you are unlikely to suffer the vexation of find
ing board with all traces Of lettering oblit-
upon his cap, is always to be found at work.
breaking stone, raking or aligning the sod at
the edges of the road bed. He politely raises
his head gear as you pass, smiles pleasantly and
murmurs bon jour; pauses in his labors to
watch your receding figure and perhaps signs
as he thinks what pleasure il would be to be
young once moro and ride the velocipede Of
today.
Hello, What is that? The blare of bueles
We must go and see. There, they have gone;
three companies of the fifth foot chasseurs,
rather short but thick set Drowned, hardy
looking fellows, who have marched in from the
outlying forts OF the city, laden with full CAM
paign quipments-knapsacks, haversacks. can
teen and everything else that the soldier is
expected to carry with him into active service
At their head marched q field band, led By a
dozen buglers, playing such an inspiring air
cannon's mouth in an ecstacy Of heroism.
France is proud of her army, and well she may
be. e. E. y.