“The guide-rails _G_ are supported above the traction-wheels, by means of arms _e_, as shown, and prevent the jointed track from leaving the flanges. “When a level pavement is available, or the ordinary road is of sufficient evenness, the jointed track may be dispensed with, and the traction-wheels used directly upon the ground or pavement. “In this case the flanges _B_, being disks of sheet metal, attached by means of bolts to the traction-wheels, are readily removed.” * * * * * Mr. Gleason was determined to prevent slipping of the wheels in climbing hills, and probably succeeded. We have not seen any of the machines on the market, but they are, no doubt, all right. The draughtsman did well to show the rider with his coat off; the work would in all probability keep him warm enough. [Illustration: T. Rhoads. Velocipede. No. 76,814. Patented April 14, 1868.] “UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE. “THOMAS RHOADS, OF FISKILWA, ILLINOIS. IMPROVEMENT IN PROPELLING VEHICLES. “This invention relates to the propelling of vehicles for practical use, and consists of the spring and wheel-work mechanism attached thereto, as will be set forth in the following. “The propelling power is derived from the spring _S_, which is affixed to a cross-rod in the frame, as indicated at _g_. “The other end of the spring is attached to the shaft of the wheel _H_, in the usual manner. “By this invention, vehicles may be propelled on common roads, with more or less speed, according to the level or uneven character of the road. “Its advantage, in dispensing with the use of horses, is obvious. “I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent,— “1. The arrangement, with relation to the revolving shaft _L_, carrying the wheels _A´_, of the wheels _G_, _H_, _J_, pinion _b_, and spring _S_, as herein described, for the purpose specified.” * * * * * This is a fair sample of “deriving power from springs.” The poor horse will now have his long-needed rest. [Illustration: S. F. Estell, of Richmond, Ind. Velocipede. No. 87,033. Patented February 16, 1869.] ESTELL SPECIFICATION. “The nature of my invention relates to an improved method of constructing velocipedes, whereby the propelling-power is communicated to the hind wheel by means of cranks and shafts, or pitman-rods, the latter being connected at their forward ends with levers, that are worked with the feet. “What I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is,—