_Dialogue between two Young Gentlemen, dressed in Knickerbocker
Suits, Gaiters, and Golf caps. They have the indescribable air which
proclaims the votary of the "Bike"._
_First Young Gentleman._ Yes; I certainly agree with the French view of
it. Cycling shouldn't be indulged in without care.
_Second Y. G._ They say in Paris that no one should become an habitual
cyclist without "medical authorisation."
_First Y. G._ Yes. Quite right. Then, when you are permitted, you ought
to travel at a moderate pace. About five miles an hour is quite enough
for a beginner.
_Second Y. G._ Enough! Why, too much! You can't be too careful! Then, if
you break off for a time, you ought to begin all over again. You should
"gradually acquire speed"; not rush at it!
_First Y. G._ Certainly. I read in the _Lancet_ only the other day that
merely increasing the pace of a bike a couple of miles an hour was
sufficient to send up the normal pulse to 150!
_Second Y. G._ Most alarming! And yet I can see from your costume you
are a cyclist.
_First Y. G._ Not at all. I am pleased with the costume, and, like
yourself, have adopted it. Now do not laugh at me. But, between
ourselves, I have never been on a bicycle in my life!
_Second Y. G._ No more have I! [_Curtain._
* * * * *
Illustration: "ENOUGH IS AS GOOD AS A FEAST."--_Nervous Lady Cyclist._
"I hope it isn't very deep here."
_Ferryman._ "Sax hunderd an' fefty-nine feet, Miss."
* * * * *
The provincial journal which, the other day, published the following
paragraph:--"Private letters from Madagascar state that two cyclists
have visited the island, causing the loss of 200 lives and immense
damage to property," and followed it up with a leader virulently
attacking motor-cyclists, now informs us that the word should have been
"cyclones." The printer has been warned.
* * * * *
"Anti-Motor" writes to point out that one advantage of holding motor
races like those that have just taken place in Ireland is that after
each race there are fewer motors.
* * * * *