192 THE HOME, FARM AND BUSINESS CYCLOPAEDIA. 



The old-fashioned bicycle is of this construction, that is, of moderate 

 height and the most solid build, and altogether very different from its 

 latest development, with its enormous driving-wheel and general lightness 

 of make. These machines, with comparatively little difference in the 

 height of the wheel, are best for beginners, as, being loiv, the getting on 

 and off is easier and safer, and they are in every way adapted for the pur- 

 pose ; and it is only when tolerable command of this kind is acquired, that 

 the modern large-wheeled bicycle may be adventured with fair prospect of 

 success. 



But even with these some, discrimination is necessary. In choosing a 

 machine on which to begin practising, we strongly advise the learner to 

 select one of the size suitable to his height, as, if it is too small, his knees 

 will knock against the handles, and if too large, his legs will not be long 

 enough fairly to reach the throw of the crank. We know it is not un- 

 common to begin with a boy's machine, and on an inclined plan ; but the 

 benefit of these is very doubtful, unless you are totally without help, and 

 have no one to lend you a helping hand. 



The best guide in measuring oneself for a bicycle to learn on is, we con- 

 sider, to stand by its side and see that the saddle is in a line with the hips. 

 The point of the saddle should be about six inches from the upright which 

 supports the handles ; for if the saddle is placed too far back, you decrease 

 your power over the driving-wheel, especially in ascending a hill. 



When you have secured a good velocipede, well suited to your size, you 

 will find it useful to practise wheeling it slowly along while holding the 

 handles. While thus leading it about, of course you will soon perceive the 

 fact that the first desideratum is to keep the machine perfectly upright, 

 which is done by turning the handles to the right or left when there is 

 any inclination to deviate from the perpendicular. If inclining to the 

 right, turn the wheel in the same direction, and vice versa, as it is only the 

 rapidly advancing motion that keeps it upright, on the principle of the 

 boy's hoop, which, the faster it rolls, the better it keeps its perpendicular, 

 and which, when losing its momentum, begins to oscillate, and finally must 

 fall on one side or the other. 



Now for the 



FIEST LESSON. 



Having become accustomed to the motion of the machine, and well stu- 

 died its mode of travelling, the next thing is to get the assistant to hold it 

 steady while you get astride, and then let him slowly wheel it along. 



Do not attempt at first to put your feet on the treadles, but let them 

 hang down, and simply sit quiet on the saddle, and take hold of the han- 



