The maps which will be given for the next few weeks will have as their principal object the usual trip from Albany to Buffalo. At the same time they have been prepared in such a way, by giving the dotted routes, as to show all the roads in the vicinity of this general route which are in the best condition for bicyclists, so that, while we give only the details of the direct route, any one desiring to turn off at any point to reach some special town or city will be able to find for himself the most suitable route.
The bicyclist will therefore notice on the present map that the best route along the Hudson north of Albany, through Waterford, etc., is given; that it is possible to run out towards Schenectady, through Guilderland, and though the road becomes poorer beyond there, it is nevertheless in reasonable condition most of the way; that while the best route from Schenectady on towards Fonda and Utica runs on the southern bank of the river and crosses at Hoffman's Ferry to the north bank, there is nevertheless a moderately good road following the other side of the river and keeping along the canal and the railroad. In other words, while it is our purpose to describe a general route, there is also the secondary purpose of giving maps containing all good roads in the vicinity of these longer trips.
Leaving the Kenmore Hotel in Albany, proceed by the shortest way to Broadway, and on this till the Londonville Plank Road is reached; turning left into this, proceed through Londonville and Newtonville to Lathams. This is a little more than seven miles from the hotel, and at this point a shairp turn to the left should be made and the road followed to Watervliet Centre. From Watervliet, through Niskayuna, to Schenectady, is straight level road, none too well suited to the bicyclist, as it occasionally has somewhat difficult sandy spots, though the bulk of the road is, in good weather, firm clay and gravel. Schenectady is twenty miles from the Kenmore Hotel at Albany, and a stop can be made here, if desired, at the Barhydt Hotel, where, if you are a member of the L. A. W., you can procure somewhat less rates than the ordinary traveller. If you wish to reach Fonda in one day from Albany, it is well to refrain from stopping at Schenectady.
Leaving the city still on the south side of the river, follow along near the canal to Pattersonville, ten miles to the west. The road becomes somewhat more hilly, but it is in fair condition. At Pattersonville turn down to Hoffman's Ferry and cross to the north bank of the river; thence, turning to the left, follow the road running along by the New York Central Railroad tracks to Cranesville, and thence, over some hilly country, continue to Amsterdam, always keeping parallel with the railroad. This stretch between Hoffman's Ferry and Amsterdam is a somewhat poorer road, there being some sand and less clay and gravel than heretofore, and in some places some very considerable hills. Amsterdam is thirty-three miles from Albany, and here a stop may be made, the Hotel Warner being the best place for a wheelman to stop at. The run from Amsterdam through Tribes Hill, always in the vicinity of the river and the railroad, to Fonda is fifteen miles further. The road continues in parts somewhat sandy, and there are some hills, especially beyond Tribes Hill; but taken together, the run from Albany is not a bad one. If the wheelman is in no great hurry, a very interesting run may be made by leaving the route towards Buffalo at Fonda, and riding twenty-three miles out through Johnstown, Gloversville, Mayfield, Cranberry Creek, Gifford, to Sacandaga Park, which is a famous fishing place.
This Department is conducted in the interest of Girls and Young Women, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question on the subject so far as possible. Correspondents should address Editor.
How can I make my room pretty without spending money on it, I haven't much of that, writes one of my correspondents.