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.
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.