The direct vertical amplitude in the springs of a cycle is of most benefit in regard to momentum in giving the vertical power time to act; that is, if the wheels are raised quickly the momentum is transmitted to and stored up in the springs and allowed to act gradually in raising all the parts without violent concussion or vibration and consequent loss of power. When the machine drops suddenly in descending from an obstacle the springs will act more quickly than gravity can overcome the inertia of the system, and the wheel will then remain in contact with the obstacle; that is to say, sufficient spring acting horizontally in the direction of the acquired momentum, together with the necessary amount of vertical spring, will store the energy otherwise lost in riding suddenly upon an obstacle; said energy will then be given time to act and be utilized in raising the rider and such parts of the system which the springs control to a certain height, establishing a potential, which will be given out in increasing the forward momentum as the wheel rolls down to the common level. Springs having a horizontal movement relieving only the saddle can prevent loss of momentum in the man, but cannot prevent the weight of the machine from being thrown dead against the obstacle. This can only be remedied by elastic connections of a kind that prevent the shock from ever reaching the heavier parts, which condition would save almost the entire work lost against the obstacle. We see, then, that the subject of springs comprehends not only the question of comfort in regard to the shock sustained by the body, but also the most serious and interesting factor in relation to the economy of power; nor is this a theme at all confined to cycles; it has been egregiously overlooked by makers and riders of many other vehicles. No better illustration can be had of man’s selfishness, as against the brute creation, than the fact that now, in machines in which we have to pull our own load, we are just beginning to contrive and apply all possible means to prevent a loss of momentum, whereas in all our carriages drawn by horses we looked only to the ease and comfort of our bodies, and provided good springs with a vertical give for that especial purpose, having little care for any loss of power, to avoid which loss we should also use horizontal springs so placed as to relieve the entire weight of the heavy running gear, as well as that of the man, from forward concussion. I know full well, even then, that a horizontal spring has still some little to do with the ease of riding, but with a heavy conveyance the advantage to the rider is slight as compared with the advantage that it would be to the horse which furnishes the power. The time will come when the evil will be remedied in general carriages, if only for the gain it will be to the comfort of the man. There would be little hope, indeed, if the poor horse were the