leading types of machines, but rather to consider the pros and cons
of the various methods by which manufacturers have striven to attain
perfection. As a discussion on the subject of this paper will doubtless
follow--and I hope makers or riders of every class of machine will
freely express their opinion, for by so doing they will lend an interest
which I alone could not hope to awaken--I shall not consider it
necessary to assume an absolutely neutral position, which might be
expected of me if there were no discussion, but shall explain my own
views without reserve.

The great variety of cycles may be grouped under the following heads:

1. The Bicycle unmodified.
2. The Safety bicycle, a modification of 1.
3. The Center-cycle.
4. The Tricycle, which includes five general types:
(a.) Rear steerer of any sort.
(b.) Coventry rotary.
(c.) Front steerer of any sort (except e).
(d.) Humber pattern.
(e.) The Oarsman.
5. Double machines: sociables and tandems.
6. The Otto.

It is perfectly obvious that not one machine is superior to all others
in every respect, for if that were the case, the rest would rapidly
become extinct. Not one shows any signs of becoming extinct, and,
therefore, it may be assumed that each one possesses some points in
which it is superior to others, the value of which is considered by
its riders to far outweigh any points in which it may be inferior. The