If you think of a good thing in cycles, don’t rush off to the Patent Office all at once; just stop a little, there is no hurry, and do this. Draw off a good sketch of the thing, put a date upon it at once, and explain it to one or two trustworthy friends and have them sign the sketch as witnesses. Get this done, and then breathe a little while. Next, write out this question in large bold letters,—Do I want to go into the cycle business? After cool deliberation, taking into account your capacity, your wealth, your family, present occupation, and prospects, if you can answer in the affirmative, then you may be bolder. If your answer is nay, then go very cautiously. In any case, be sure you do this next. Send the sketch and about ten dollars to a first-class patent-attorney, with instructions to make a five-dollar preliminary examination and to spend the other five dollars in copies of patents nearest allied to your invention, and insist that the attorney sends these copies to you. Either in the English or American office you should be able to get them at twenty-five cents each, and for less if you order a quantity. If you have any knowledge of the art, you ought to be as good a judge as the attorney whether these patents anticipate your own or not; but whatever you do, don’t take out a patent simply because one can be had. Study calmly and lucidly whether your thing is of any account or not, and practically try it, if possible. If you conclude to take out a patent, be sure and employ a good attorney, being particularly wary of the low-priced men. Not that I would say to always employ the old attorneys of great reputation, because a young practitioner, if unusually bright, will perhaps make up in extra time spent upon the case what he lacks in astuteness of snap judgment.