Objection might be raised that the body is less bent at the thigh when over the work than it was when we used to kick out forward in the old velocipede, and that for this reason we are retrograding. This view will not hold, however, for in any practical machine we have to get so nearly straight up anyhow that we had better go a little farther, thus taking a perfect position for work, and then attack the difficulty of support by means of proper saddle-springs and by resting upon the feet as much as possible. In horseback riding there is no question of self-propulsion; hence we can bend our bodies sufficiently to sit upon a good wide seat; therefore the difficulty experienced in bicycle saddles does not apply in the equestrian art, as would naturally be supposed. Upon inquiry as to just what the deleterious results are of riding poorly-sprung machines and improper saddles, and the cause thereof, I find that “doctors differ” slightly. Some have expressed their opinion that the trouble is in the irritation of the pubic symphysis resulting from the wedging action before spoken of; others say it is the bending and irritation of the coccyx, _d_, shown in the cut, owing to the pressure sustained by it instead of by the ischia; others assert it is the constant concussion upon the spine. I am inclined to think that the entire field is pretty well covered by a letter from Dr. Entriken, of Ohio, which will be found below. “+R. P. Scott+: “+Dear Sir+,—I do not agree with you in the idea as to the cause of the trouble with the bicycle saddle. It is not the strain upon the ligaments, muscles, or bones, nor the injury to the pubic symphysis or adjacent parts, of which physicians complain. It is the bruising and irritation of the urethra where it passes under the pubic symphysis, and of the prostate gland, etc.; also the necessity of muscular action in the lower limbs while the parts are so jostled, bruised, and irritated. This muscular action pumps more blood into the parts, increasing congestion and the tendency to cause disease of the parts I have mentioned....