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SCIENTIFIC RECREATIONS. 



fact, the " water " velocipede is an adaptation of the "terrestrial" machine so 

 familiar to all readers. This velocipede is equally adapted for sea or lake 

 progression, the waves of the former being, under ordinary circumstances, no 

 obstruction, for very little motion is imparted to the sitter. For those desirous 

 to bathe in deep water the machine offers many facilities ; and in the case of 

 attack of cramp or faintness, rescue would not be difficult, as the swimmer 

 could support himself upon the pointed cylinders of the water velocipede till 

 assistance arrived. On the other hand, it is very necessary to know how to 

 swim before attempting to work the machine. 



Before describing the ice-yachts which are used in Canada when winter's 

 cold grasp lies on water and land, we will mention a very curious expe- 



Fiej. 450. Ice boats. 



riment in water locomotion made a year or two ago. The illustration 

 explains itself. It is not an imaginary sketch, it is the record of fact. 



This sagacious seal was exhibited in London, and was in the habit of 

 performing certain tricks, one item of his performance being to draw the light 

 canoe (as represented), and another accomplishment consisted in " striking 

 the light guitar," to the astonishment of the spectators, amongst whom was 

 the writer. The instrument was placed between his fins, or " flappers," and 

 the seal twanged it more or less melodiously. He was very tame, and 

 obedient to his master and trainer. 



We all have heard of, even if we have not seen, the twin steamer 

 Castalia, which, pending the opening of the tunnel beneath the Channel, was 

 supposed to reduce sea-sickness to a minimum. The Castalia did not answer, 



