The water skate or shoe is to afford a new and very delightful means of sport.

It is intended to be used when the swimmer is in the upright position assumed in treading water.  A swimmer can maintain this position for a long time, but can ordinarily make no headway in the water.

[Illustration]

The water skate is invented to enable him to strike out with his feet as in walking.  Under the skate there are two “fins.”  These remain pressed together with the forward movement of the foot, but with the same movement as the hands take in swimming.  These fins open out as the foot reaches the limit of its stride, and push back the water exactly in the same way that the arms do.

It is claimed that a high rate of speed can be obtained with this water skate.

Canopy for bicycles.—­All cyclers complain so of the heat of the sun, that busy brains are at work to find a means of protecting the riders from the fierce heat.

A canopy has just been invented, which seems to be the most practical and sensible of any of the coverings offered.

It has a pointed roof to it, and spreads over the rider at a distance that in no way obstructs the view.

[Illustration]

One great advantage of this canopy is that it is firmer than any other kind so far suggested.

* * * * *

The portable fire-escape is an invention that should recommend itself to every one.  It is small enough to be easily carried, and is so arranged that the person using it to let himself down from a burning building can control the rate of speed at which he descends, and avoid all danger of a sudden fall.

It is firmly hooked on to a clamp that is provided with it, and it consists of a seat attached to two pulleys, through which the ropes pass.

The person seeking to escape from the fire places himself on the seat, and, grasping the pulley firmly, lets himself out of the window.  By means of an attachment he is able, as we have said, to regulate the speed of his descent.

[Illustration]

This invention ought to be of great service to all those who live in high buildings.

    G.H.R.

LETTERS FROM OUR YOUNG FRIENDS.

Dear editor: 

Being a great reader of your paper, I of course felt inclined to send you some praise, as you deserve it.  I am more interested in Cuba than in the affairs of Crete.  I have been to see the new Library, and consider it the finest in the world.  Hoping much success to the paper, I remain,

Your interested reader,
Natalie C.
Washington, D.C.

DEAR NATALIE: 

Your letter was received with much pleasure.

Editor.

Dear editor: 

My teacher, Miss Galbraith, takes your paper, and I used to be
looking for it; at last I bought it myself, so I could own it.