odometers which can
register distance, but there has been the double weight to carry of the
two instruments; and, while every effort is being made to reduce the
weight of the bicycle as much as possible, every ounce or fraction of an
ounce tells. Consequently all cyclists are indebted to the man whose happy
thought it was to combine the two, and who had the skill to do it. An
instrument can now be had which will at one and the same time register
time and distance.

[Illustration]

Something new which will surely find favor with bicycle riders is a
simple coupling apparatus by means of which any two safety bicycles may be
converted into a tandem. We see so many bicycle tandems in the parks and
bicycle paths that riders will surely be glad to know that any two people
can have a tandem at a moment's notice, and at the same time, if one
person only wishes to ride, the machines can with equal speed be restored
to their original condition.

LETTERS FROM OUR YOUNG FRIENDS.

DEAR EDITOR:

I read with the greatest pleasure THE GREAT ROUND WORLD, and
think, if I may express myself so, that it tells all that is
going on in a nutshell.

We subscribe for your little magazine in our class, and we all
take turns reading it.

I wish you would inform me the difference between the government
of Russia and that of Turkey.

Very truly yours,
ROBERTSON P.
NEW YORK, May 7th, 1897.

DEAR ROBERTSON:

Russia is an absolute monarchy, which means a government in which the will
of the monarch is positive law.

Turkey is a theocratic absolute monarchy, which means something stronger
yet than an absolute monarchy. The Sultan of Turkey is considered the
successor to the Prophet Mohammed, and therefore he is not only the
political but also the religious head of his people.

EDITOR.

DEAR EDITOR:

I read THE GREAT ROUND WORLD and think it fine. The following
are books I have read and found very interesting: "A Knight of
the White Cross," by Henty. "Boy Explorers," by Prentice. "Jack
Ballister's Fortunes," "Merry Adventures of Robin Hood," both
by Pyle. "Log-Cabin Series," by Edward S. Ellis. "Boris the Bear
Hunter," by Fred Whishaw.

Did the ten Chinamen who were invited to have their heads
chopped off, escape?

Wishi