BICYCLE-HOLDER.-A clever invention comes to us from California. It is
called a bicycle-holder, and is designed for carrying bicycles on street
cars.
It is a simple device consisting of two hooks placed on an iron bar,
from the centre of which another bar depends which is also furnished
with a hook.
The wheel is hung on to the upper hooks, one of which passes through
each wheel. The lower hook is so adjusted that the hind wheel rests in
it, thus forming a perfect support for the machine.
It is possible to attach two bicycle-holders to the back of each car,
and if it works as well as it is expected to do, will be a great
convenience to wheel-men.
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ROAD MAP.--This is also a boon to bicyclists. The map, instead of
folding up to put in the pocket, is rolled on two small cylinders. With
the map comes a nickeled wire attachment which fits over the ends of the
cylinders and holds a portion of the map firmly extended.
In the centre of the wire holder is a loop which snaps on to the
handle-bar of the wheel and enables the rider to carry his map stretched
out before him ready for instant use.
As the rider proceeds farther on his journey he can twist the cylinders
and unroll a fresh portion of his map. It is an excellent device, and
one which can be adjusted to all bicycles.
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WRIST-GUIDE FOR PIANOS.-This is an attachment which can be fixed to any
piano, and is intended to show the learner just the right angle at which
the wrist should be held.
Children seem naturally to be flabby-wristed when they are trying to
learn to play, and to drop the wrists below the level of the keyboard
seems to be the chief aim and object of every young pianist.
Years ago there were not so many inventions for making learning
delightful to the young, and we distinctly remember the fierce battles
which used to take place at each music lesson over this very wrist
business.
As no wrist-guide had then been invented, necessity--which is the mother
of invention, they say--taught our instructress to make one of her own.
Hers was more simple than the present one, but probably even more
effective. It consisted of a pair of sharp-pointed scissors which
glistened ferociously under the learner's wrists, ready to give them a
sharp reminder whenever they flagged and showed a disposition to droop.
The piano was not as popular an instrument in those days as it has since
become.
This wrist-guide ought to save many tears and much vexation of spirit to
both teacher and pupil.