The herald., 1897-01-18

in and win races when he is in different
climate than that he has been accus-
toned to- / propose to remain in France
Dor at least six months before attempt
ing any racing If that time is necessary
| to put me In perfect condition II re-
main in America this season am conf
dent that can win from SIS, 900 to $20,-
| 900, but could do nothing more than re-
peat my former record of last season,
| when 1 won the American champion
ship"
| One of the most notable instances of
the efficacy OF the bicycle as a remedy
for insanity Is found at the Michigan
state asylum for the insane in Kalama-
zoo. The patients at this asylum take
daily rides on the wheel, and parties Of
| from five to eight lunatics, in charge of
| two attendants, are likely to be met with
| on any of the country roads running out
| of the city.
The state asylum for the insane at
Middletown, N. Y, Is another institution
| that considers the bicycle a means to
help make the lunatic sane. The wheel
has been used at the asylum for some
months with the most gratifying results
| 1t Is found that it promotes docility
among the patients who enjoythe excur-
| sions and invariably induces far
| healthier condition Of the mind 1t also
acts as an incentive toward good be-
| havior on the part of others, who have
not been permitted to ride, the change
| in their attitudes being brought about
| by the sight of the keen enjoyment
which the lunatic riders seem to take
in riding.
! r. A. Smyth, writing in the San Fran
cisco Examiner, says: The success OF
the six-lap cycle track shows that the
days of the larger circuits are numbered.
| On the small track the men are always
in clear view. and, to the persons who
have mastered the science of the game.
every play is seen instantly. The only
| objection lodged against it Is that 1t Is
J usually crowded into O. small space and
| has not the width that should'be allowed.
i This Is particularly noticeable on the
last corner and finishing straight, IT too
| many men are placed in heat, a mis-
| take which the majority of race promot-
ers are prone to make. The cost, an
| important factor, is proportionately less
than in large track.
With the compilation of mileage ta-
bles for the past season comes added
evidence of the healdhfulness of the
pastime of cycling, and under conditions
which would put it to the severest test
One rider is credited with having trav-
e!ed over 1900 miles, or an average of
over 100 miles a day, since he began on
January 25 last. This was accomplished
in all kinds of weather and under vary
ing conditions; yet, in the face of this
the riders weight increased a nd his gen.
eral health showed Improvement.
A correspondent in the Good Roads
Bulletin, writing ifrom Albany, N. Y,
gives the following as the cost of trav-
cling per bicycle mile. in the hope that
the facts presented may. perhaps, lead
to the construction of fewer inferior
roads:
First year-Cost of wheel, $1O0; re-
pairs by seller, first year. nothing; one
years interest on capital, 81; express
age when travelling, $1.75; total, S105.75:
distance ridden, 1000 miles; cost per mile
for first year, 5.2S cents. Second year
Repairs, $40; expressage. ST. one years
interest on capital, $4; distance ridden,
5000 miles; total cost for two years,
S12075; sold wheel for $50; net cost for
two years distance ridden, 5000 miles),
$9O75; average cost per mile, 1.8 cents.