is prettily braided with black, and fastened with big black buttons.
It is so arranged in front that it can be worn either with a shirt or
over a double-breasted vest of cloth or leather.

Skirts are an Abomination.

A renowned lady writer says: "In the first place let me condemn the
skirt--not from prejudice, but from experience. Skirts, no matter how
light, how trim, how heavy, are both a nuisance and a danger. A
nuisance because they are always subject to entanglement in the wheel;
because they fly up with every breeze and motion; because they have
not the chic appearance of the properly made bloomer, and because, if
they are weighted, like a riding habit, they make so much more to
carry against the wind. And breeze makes weight.

"They are a danger because with the constant pumping of the pedals the
knee is required to raise too great a weight; this bears upon the body
just below the back of the hips, giving backache; often more serious
troubles. I wouldn't wear a skirt. I had one torn off me by the wheel;
but I rode with them long enough to give a just comparison of the
merits of skirts _versus_ bloomers.

"Riding suits should be of fine, light weight, navy blue or black
material, made with bloomers, and the blouse with tailor-made jacket.
I wear the sweater myself in preference, because it is not so apt to
leave one subject to changes of temperature. The Alpine hat of Tam
O'Shanter is _au fait_ for street, with leggings to match the bloomers
and jacket, and low shoes made broad on the ball of the foot. All
bicycle shoes should be broad on the ball, because the pedaling is
done with the ball, not with the under curve, as so many think.
Doeskin gloves are best for ordinary riding. Bloomers should be made
to fasten at the left side of the back, which leaves room for a pocket
on the right side. Tinted leggings should always match the hat and
gloves.

"Tell the ladies to have their saddles built high and wide in the
back, sloping away and downwards in front; and that if they pedal
properly there is no reason why bicycling should not be a healthful,
moral, modest and permanent form of exercise. For, mark it," she
added, as a parting sally, "the wheel has come to stay."

A Pace Indicator.

A man who rides for health and pleasure and not to race or score
centuries says that his plan is never to go so fast that he must
breathe through his mouth. As long as his nostrils can supply
sufficient air he knows that h