New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-09-23
Eliots birthplace and the house In Griff. where
she lived for twenty years
COyENTRY's NEW JNDIrSTRY

she lived for twenty years.
CovENTRY's NEW INDUSTRY
Coventry once had an industry that almost
as famous as Its legends OF Falstaf and his
ragged regiment That was the silk industry
winch had been carried from remote gener-
ations In this once wealthy and important city
II declined under the pressure Of French and
German competition. and very little is now left
or what was once a great and lucrative bus.-
ness. With the disappearance Of this manufact-
ure the population shrank and the old town
seemed to have no future. Within the last dec
ade II has found new occupation. which has
restored It's population and prestige. 1t Is now
the centre Of the English trade in cycles. At
least 200 firms engaged in the manufacture
OF cycles accessories such tires. wheels
gearing. rubber rims. bolts. nuts. balls and
other fittings. This is the chief employment of
the town. as the visitor soon convnces himself
after sauntering through the narrow lanes and
blind alleys and reading the business signs
Lady Godgva. were she TO take her ride through
Coventry to-day would be mounted a oycle.
rather than q horse.
The highway from Stratford to Coventry Is one
Of the most popular roads for cycling in England.
During the summer and early autumn II is trav
ersed not only by tourists. but also by hundreds
OF clerks on holiday excursions. 1t Is a hard.
smooth well-drained and perfectly graded road
way without stone or rut to upset jar the rider
and winding among hills and Towering meadows,
II is beautifully hedged and shaded. 1t Is
ideal road for wheeling: and the wayside inns APP
peal directly for this traffic by such signs as Spe-
cial accommodations for cyclists" On pleasant
afternoon large parties Of cyclists. who have left
their wheels at the gates. may be seen picnicking
under the walls Of Kenilworth; and IN the streets
Of old Warwick bicycles and trcycles are con-
stantly gliding in noiseless flight. Women are
seen on cycles almost as frequently as men. but
seldom II ever in the French masquerade of d.
vided skirt or breeches.
CYCLING IN RURAL ENGLAND.
single days observation on this road during
the tourists season will reveal many surprises.
One will be the extent to which cycling has been
carried in rural England as daily recreation for
both sexes Another will be the astonishing num-
Der Of American tourists who make their holiday
Journeys on their wheels. avoiding railway ex-
penses and ambitious hotels and lodging quietly
and comfortably in village inns. Americans
abroad have the reputation Of being spendthrht
travellers There are many close-calcuIatihg
economists among them. who save their half-
crowns and sovereigns. yet contrive to 1--we well
and to see much that escapes the eyes Of luxurious
tourists.
But while this famous road offers so many at
fractions for cyclists, it is pre-eminently the nm
est walk In Warwickshire and possibly in Eng
land. For variety Of scenery and noble historical
associations 1t is unrivalled. Because there is so
much to refresh the eyes. to enkinde the magma
ton and to soothe and tranqulllize the mind the
saunterer who walks is happier and has a larger
and more satisfying experience Of the delights OF
tho Shakesneare country than the cyclist Nho
rides in the morning from Stratford to Warwick
and bushes for Peeping Tom at Coventry In the
evening after halting for brief space at keni-
worth But whether he walks or rides he sees
one Of the loveliest roads in England and
breathes. as Mr. Winter has well said, that at
mosphere Of serenity and romance in when the
youth Of Shakespeare was passed and by which
his works and memory embalmed."
l. y. +.