Oct. 80, 1897.3V 
FOREST AND STREAM. 
Trophy for best field spaniel, in addition to the prizes of $5 
or a club tankard for the best brace of Clumber or Irish 
water spaniels ; $5 or club tankard for best brace of field 
spaniels; and $5 or club tankard for best brace of cocker 
spaniels. 
The National Beagle Club's trials began on Monday, the 
25th inst. under most unfavorable -weather conditions. The 
Futurity Stake had five starters. Notwithstanding the bad 
weather, the competition was good. The annual meeting 
was held on Monday evening and the following list of oflScers 
was elected : President.^GeorgeB. Post. Jr. ; Vice President, 
Herrmann-F. Scbellhass; Second Vice-President, George "W". 
Rogers; Third Vice-President, James L. Kernochan; Sec- 
retary-Treasurer, G. Mifflin Wharton. Additional executive 
committee, John Bateman H, L. Krueder and A. Wright 
Post. Official judges, George B Post, .Jr., W. S. Clark, 
Herrmann F. Schellhass, James W. Appleton, George F. 
Reed and Bradford S. Turpin. Delegate, Herrmann F. 
Schellhass. 
In our advertising columns this week Riverside Kennels, 
Riverside, Ind., announce that they will board dogs. H A. 
Estabrook, Fitchburg, Mass., offers pointers. W. E. Ritch, 
Bridgeport, Conn., offers broken setters Netlleton Phar- 
macy, Nettleton, Ark,, ofters setter puppies. Box 19, 
Lawyers' Club, New York, wishes to purchase a bull dog. 
W. P. Austin, Mansfield, Pa., offers pointers. 
^heeling. 
Communications for this department are requested. Anything on 
the bicycle in its relation to the sportsman is particularly desirabl 
THE CHAINLESS BICYCLE. 
The expected has happened. The latest in the develop- 
ment of the wheel came before the public as a tried, ap- 
proved and adopted mechanism on the 21st in&t. It is now 
offered as the wheel of 1898, and is formally on the market. 
A number of the great firms of the United States, probably 
ten or twelve, will make it a leading style of their 1898 
product. As one firm has quietly secured all the patents 
covering the chainless mechanism, the other makers using 
them will manufacture under the conditions of a license or 
royalty. 
In all the essentials of frame, wheels, etc., and general ap- 
pearance, the chainless bicycle does not differ materially 
from the chain wheel. The changed mechanism involves no 
new principle. Instead of a chain and sprocket wheels, a 
shaft and bevel gears are used to transmit the power. The 
shaft has a bevel-geared wheel at each end, one of which en- 
gages in the bevel gear of the sprocket wheel of the pedal 
shaft, the other in the bevel gear of the rear sprocket wheel. 
While there have been rumors of the coming of the chain- 
less wheel for some months, the makers did not feel war- 
ranted in presenting it to the public before it had been most 
thoroughly tested and perfected by exhaustive trials. To 
attain this end they have been experimenting with it and 
trying it during the past two years, with the result that they 
maintain it is the simplest, safest, cleanest and most durable 
wheel, in that the mechanism is the most economical and 
wears better than the chain. More specifically, it is claimed 
for it that it has no teeth or links to catch in the clothing, 
or other things; that it is much easier to keep clean; that 
every movement is immediate or positive, there being none 
of the lost motion or loose play as when a chain is used ; 
that it will go faster and further with less effort on the part 
of the rider; that the driving mechanism is always tnor- 
oughly luhricated; that its driving mechanism is not af- 
fected by rain, sleet, mud, dust or weather; that its bevel 
gears Improve with use while a chain deteriorates from the 
beginning of use, and that it saves repairs, work and money, 
and increases the safety and delight of the riders. 
The four cog-wheels and shaft are inclosed in cases which 
protect them from weather, dust and wet, although why 
this cannot be done equally with the chain mechanism is not 
made clear. 
The new wheel will weigh about 26ilbs. for men's style, 
and ilh. more for women's style with the drop frame. 
It is conceded that there is little more to accomplish in the 
way of novelty or improvement in the chain bicycle, hence 
one may infer that novelty is the chief characteristic of the 
new mechanism. It is claimed that there was a world of 
difficulty to contend with in making the bevel gears, since 
the spaces between the teeth and the teeth themselves must 
be perfectly alike, else there will not be perfect woik; and 
to the great difliculty of making the bevel gearing, the 
makers feel warranted in charging the price asked — $125. 
And yet the theoretical knowledge of the principles 
involved in making geared wheels of all kinds, and the 
practical skill in their construction have been in existence 
for ages. They are in constant use throughout the mechan- 
ical world. Tne real reason for the high price is the novelty, 
the something that is new, to attract tne buyers who are aj- 
ways ready to purchase something new and something 
different from everybody's else. After this class is satisfied, 
the makers will discover that they can make chainless wheels 
quite as cheap as they can the chain wheel. No doubt the 
last two years, so painstakingly devoted to perfecting the 
chainless wheel, were also devoted to waiting till the output 
of chain wheels became so great that a drop in prices was 
inevitable, and a novelty, one excluding competiiion, was 
desirable. The advent ot lower prices, and the advent of the 
chainless wheel, is a striking trade coincidence. It is aho 
strange that there should be such enormous diificuUies and 
expense in making a bevel-geared wheel for a bicycle, when 
m mechanics it is not difficult at all. 
Medical View of Bicycle Riding. 
Ukder date of July 26, Consul Keenan sends to the State 
Department the following from Bremen : 
At 'a meeting of the medical society in Berlin, January, 
1896, Dr. Menaelssohn, professor in the university, read a 
paper on the medical view of bicycle riding, which was 
published in the Betitsche Medicul Wockensclirift, No. 18, 
1896. More recently it has appeared in the OenintlblaU fur 
alkijeumneGesundlwitspflege, and it is now being discussed in 
the German press m general. The chief points of the paper 
were: 
The advantages of wheel-riding may be inestimable, if 
practiced intelligently and with moderation, but harmful or 
absolutely dangerous if carried to excess or in cases where 
jriding^should De prohibited, The advantages accruing to 
riders are obvious, since the wheel affords exercise and re- 
creation to the mentally overworked, and as an independent 
and inexpensive means of locomotion it is ideal. The danger 
of the wheel may consist of injuries from accident, inflam- 
mation of the knee-joint resulting from overwork, inflam- 
mation of both male and female pelvic organs resulting from 
pressure of the saddle, etc. Another danger is in the con- 
stant excessive exertion, which can produce an increased 
atomic and molecular change throughout the body, espe- 
cially in the vital organs, to such a degree that a general 
weakening of the individual and especial susceptibility to 
infectious diseases may result. The tendency to catch cold 
is proved by experience to be great. The heart is subject to 
the greatest danger in cases of excessive cycle riding. A 
large number of sudden deaths have already been recorded, 
due to excessive strain on the heart. 
Cases where wheeling should be prohibited are as follows: 
(1) Existing heart lesions, (2) arterial calsification, (,3) al- 
buminuria, (4) old age, and (5) childhood. 
Cases where bicycling is beneficial are: (1) When excessive 
uric acid and gout exist, (2) in certain mild forms of chronic 
disturbances in the pelvic organs, which are thereby sub- 
jected to a certain degree of exercise, which has an effect 
similar to the gymnastics and massage of the Thur Brandt 
method; (3) when there are slight disturbances in the respira- 
tary organs, except absolute lung dilatation. 
It can be said that important points relating to the advisa- 
bility of bicycling by girls and boys of certain temperament, 
as well as by certain neurotic women, are not observed in the 
foregoing remarks, but it must be conceded that the conclu- 
sions stated by Dr. Mendelssohn are true. 
As to Expense. 
Bicycling is one of the most expensive or the least 
expensive of pleasures, accordingly as one makes it. Some 
riders will use a wheel a whole season with little or no out- 
lay for repairs, since none are needed. Careless, heedless 
or reckless riders have frequent need of repairs, which adds 
to the expenee. Some riders in their tours carry their 
lunches and observe the same economy that they practice at 
home ; while others will patronize the best hotels, even if 
the tour be but for a day, and fritter away money at every 
turn. To blame the wheel for the rider's extravagant habits 
is to mistake cause for effect. Bicycling is the cheapest or 
the most expensive habit, whichever the bicyclist chooses to 
make it. 
The Scorcher. 
From the standpoint of those who enjoy sensible recrea- 
tion and have a^proper consideration for their own safety 
and the safety of otners, the scorcher is justly considered an 
unmitigated nuisance and a dangerous menace. The 
scorcher, nine times out of ten, is pitifully egotistical, for 
out of his strained, set eyes, glaring out of a head carried 
lower than his seat, can be seen a look of inquiry as to 
whether the people he passes are admiring him quite 
as much as he deserves and as he admires himself. 
The whole class of scorchers who frequent the regular 
thoroughfares are detestable egotists, who would not scorch 
for a moment if there weie no beholders or no possi bilities of 
notoriety, yet some are far worse than others. They will 
ride within an inch of man or woman as they fly by without 
any sounding of warning bell, and enjoy the alarm they 
have caused. The more pinch-faced, narrow-chested and 
wlieel-backed is the scorcher, the more is he given to pander 
to his morbid vanity, till the time comes when he believes 
he is a being of such superior swiftness and nerve, that he 
can even defy the bicycle policeman; and then when the 
latter is really in pursuit of him, the cbicken heart, which 
was so brave in imperiling women and peaceful men, flutters 
and funks, and the invincible rider of fancy generally suc- 
cumbs to the officer after a ride of a few blocks. If the 
scorcher would only smash his own wheel, or twist his own 
neck into proper place, or have his face properly reset in a 
collision, all would be well; but it is generally the innocent 
party who is the greatest sufferer. To his other weaknesses, 
tne scorcher adds that of cowardice; for, the damage done, 
he generally forthwith runs away. The street scorcher is a 
combination of pitiful vanity, cowardice and malice. 
About Chain Protectors. 
Now that the chainless wheel has been presented for 
public acceptance, with the driving machinery protected 
thoroughly from wet, dirt, etc., the makers of chain wheels 
are bestirring themselves to provide a casing for the chain 
and sprocket wheel, an improvement which, so simple and 
so necessary, should have engaged their serious attention long 
since. The ordinary cases so far adopted are heavy cumber- 
some affairs, weighing about olbs. The latest device for 
protecting the chain is in the form of a rubber band, which 
incloses the chain except where it comes in contact with the 
sprocket wheels. No protector can be a success which does 
not protect both sprocket wheels and chain. 
As the yachting journal of America, the Forest and Stream ts the 
recognized medium of communication between the maker of yachts- 
men's supplies and the yachting public. Its value for advertising 
has been demonstrated by patrons who Iw/oe employed its columns 
continuously for years. 
The subject of a new rule for the smaller classes has been 
under consideration by the British Y. R. A. for some time. 
The special committee appointed by the Council held a meet- 
ing on Oct. 14, at which lb was decided to recommend the 
following rating formula: 
^ — ^=Rating, 
the dimensions L., B. and G. being measured as at present 
The class limits of 36ft., 30ft., 24ft. and 18ft. to become 38ft.. 
28fb., 23ft. and 18ft., to suit the altered rating values. A 
minimum limit of displacement (without crew) of 15cwt. for 
any yacht to be measured by the Y. R. A., was also adopted 
for recommendation. 
These appeared to be some doubt as to the success of the 
proposed new 51fb. restricted class, the requisite number of 
subscribers not having yet come forward. Some such class 
aa this is greatly needed, and we hope that the scheme may 
not fall through. 
The meeting on Oct. 30 in New York promises to result in 
the accomplishment of the object In view, the organization 
of a national yachting association. The general plan of 
organization has already been published in our columns, 
and this will no doubt be adhered to, but it is impossible to 
foretell what may be done in the way of details. As to the 
measurement rule, there is no definite proposition before the 
meeting for action. 
The interesting and valuable paper by Assistant Naval 
Constructor Hobson, U. S. N., on the construction of 
Defender, makes public for the first time many very im- 
portant details of this wonderful yacht. The whole subject 
of aluminum in naval construction is dealt with most ex- 
haustively by Assistant Constructor Hobson in the con- 
tinuation of the paper. 
Apbopos of the yarn about Defender racing in the Mediter- 
ranean, which, in spite of the plain tool marks of the inter- 
national nautical fake mill. Is being treated seriously by 
most American papers, the New York Tribune sums up the 
probabilities of the case in very practical and sensible shape. 
Who ix'Ottl(Z race Defender in European waters, and why 
should anyone do so? 
The, work of the Massachusetts Y. R. A. in the annual 
amendment of its rules was by no means as thorough and 
perfect as it might and should have been. The raising of 
the class limits and the recognition of a larger class were 
both necessary changes, but the former was almost defeated, 
and when finally passed, no action was taken to allow time 
to existing yachts in the new classes; a plain matter of jus- 
tice. This omission necessitates a special meeting. The 
work of defining a cabin yacht, quite a responsible task, was 
left to the executive committee, instead of being carefully 
discussed by the Association. One change of the racing 
rules was made which might well have been left to the fu- 
ture; especially when really important matters were not set- 
tled for lack oC time. The rule relating to two yachts con- 
verging was changed to give the right of way to the lee- 
ward instead of the windward yacht. There is no serious mat- 
ter of right or wrong involved in this rule, and even if there 
were, it should not be changed unless in concert with other 
yachting bodies. The great point, to which all are now 
working, is to secure uniformity in rules and usage. The 
action of the Massachusetts Y. R. A. puts it at variance 
with established custom in yacht racing, and to no good 
purpose. If really good reasons can be advanced for the 
change, no doubt it could be made by all clubs together; but 
its mere adoption in advance by one club or association will 
tend to prevent this. 
Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. 
The fifth general meeting of the Society of Naval Archi-. 
tects and Marine Engineers will take place in New York 
city, at 10 A. M., Thursday, Nov. 11. Through the courtesy 
of the president and managers of the American Society of 
Mechanical Engineers, the meetings will be held in the 
auditorium of No. 12 West Thirty-first street, the sessions 
continuing through Thursday and Friday, Nov. 11 and 12. 
There will be a banquet at Delmonico's at 7 P. M., Friday, 
Nov. 13, to which members and their guests are cordially in- 
vited. Tickets, exclusive of wine, will be $5 each, and they 
can be obtained by applying to the secretary. 
Notice is given that, in general, seats will not be reserved, 
and tickets must be presented. It is requested that members 
obtain tickets as early as practicable. 
Members intending to propose candidates for membership 
are requested to notify the secretary, in order that the neces- 
sary blank forms of application may be forwarded and prop- 
erly filled out. 
LIST OF PAPERS TO BE BEAD BEFORE THE SOCIETY OF 
NAVAL ARCHITECTS AND MARINE ENGINEERS 
AT ITS FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 
Thursday, Nov. 11. 
1. Watertight Bulkhead Doors; the "Long- Arm" System 
on the U.S. S. Chicago. By Wm. Barnum Cowles, Esq., 
member. 
2. Regulations for Loading Vessels. By Lewis Nixon, 
Esq., member. 
3. Torpedo-Boat Design. By Ass't Naval Constructor H. 
G. Gillmor, Q. S. Navy, associate. 
4. The Commerce of the Great Lakes. By C. E. Wheeler, 
Esq., member. 
5. Progressive Trials of the Guardian. By Prof. C. H. 
Peabody, member. 
6. An Experimental Study of the Influence of Surface 
upon the Performance of Screw Propellers; preliminary 
paper. By Prof. W. F. Durand, member. 
Friday, Nov. 12. 
7. Some Notes on the Speed Trials and Experience in Com- 
mission of our New Battleships. By Chief Constructor 
Philip Hichborn, U. S. Navy, vice-president. 
8. Performance of Scotch Boilers and their Durability 
under Forced Draught. By Edwin S. Cramp, Esq., mem- 
ber. 
9. Use of Water-Ballast for Colliers in the Pacific Coast 
Trade. By Wm. P. Frear, Esq., member. 
10. Estimated Weights of Machinery. By Prof. Geo. R, 
McDermott, member. 
11. Navy Yard Expenses. By Naval Constructor W. J. 
Baxter, U. S. Navy, member. 
12. Pneumatic Steering Gear as Applied to the U. S. Mon- 
itor Terror. By H. A. Spiller, Esq., member. 
Massachusetts Y. B. A. 
The annual meeting of the Massachusetts Y. R. A. was 
held at the American House, Boston, with President Clark 
in the chair and twenty-two delegates present. The follow- 
ing classification was adopted finally, after the proposal to 
raise the claps limits had been once voted down : 
Class A — Cabin yachts, 35ft. maximum measurement. 
Class B— Cabin yachts, 30ft. maximum measurement. 
Class C— Open yachts, 25ft. maximum measurement. 
Class D— Cabin yachts, Soft, maximum measurement. 
Class E— Open yachts, 21ft. maximum measurement. 
Class J— Open yachts, ISft. maximum measurement. 
Class L — Open yachts, 15ft. maximum measurement. 
Class K— Knockabouts, 21ft. under K. A. Rules. 
All classes but Class K are measured on L.W.L. with crew 
on board. The 35ft. class is a new one. No action was taken 
toward defining a "cabin yacht," or to amend the existing 
prohibition of allowance after Dec. 31, 1897, so as to give 
time to yachts now in the new class, but under the new 
limits. Some minor changes were made in the racing rules 
and one very important change, the rule relating to two 
yachts converging being altered to give the right of way to 
the leeward instead of the windward yacht. The meeting 
voted to send three delegates to the New York meeting and 
in favor of joining the National Association. It was de- 
cided to hold another meeting within two weeks to consider 
the matter of allowance. 
A special meeting of the Council of the Sound Y. R. A 
was held at the ilfth Avenue Hotel on Oct. 18, with Presi- 
dent Cromwell in the chair. The proposed articles of asso- 
ciation for the new association were presented by Mr. N D 
Lawton, and approved by the Council, which will be repre- 
sented at the meeting of Oct. 30. The question of the num- 
ber of races during the season was discussed. 
