CANOPY FOR BICYCLES.--All cyclers complain so of the heat of the sun, that busy brains are at work to find a means of protecting the riders from the fierce heat. A canopy has just been invented, which seems to be the most practical and sensible of any of the coverings offered. It has a pointed roof to it, and spreads over the rider at a distance that in no way obstructs the view. [Illustration] One great advantage of this canopy is that it is firmer than any other kind so far suggested. * * * * * THE PORTABLE FIRE-ESCAPE is an invention that should recommend itself to every one. It is small enough to be easily carried, and is so arranged that the person using it to let himself down from a burning building can control the rate of speed at which he descends, and avoid all danger of a sudden fall. It is firmly hooked on to a clamp that is provided with it, and it consists of a seat attached to two pulleys, through which the ropes pass. The person seeking to escape from the fire places himself on the seat, and, grasping the pulley firmly, lets himself out of the window. By means of an attachment he is able, as we have said, to regulate the speed of his descent. [Illustration] This invention ought to be of great service to all those who live in high buildings. G.H.R. LETTERS FROM OUR YOUNG FRIENDS. DEAR EDITOR: Being a great reader of your paper, I of course felt inclined to send you some praise, as you deserve it. I am more interested in Cuba than in the affairs of Crete. I have been to see the new Library, and consider it the finest in the world. Hoping much success to the paper, I remain, Your interested reader, NATALIE C. WASHINGTON, D.C. DEAR NATALIE: Your letter was received with much pleasure. EDITOR. DEAR EDITOR: My teacher, Miss Galbraith, takes your paper, and I used to be looking for it; at last I bought it myself, so I could own it. Your paper is very interesting and helpful in Geography. All my family are interested in THE GREAT ROUND WORLD, especially my father. Will you please tell me if General Maceo is dead or not? We got so many different stories it is hard to tell which is true. Or if General Rivera is to be put to death? I live in New Haven; it is a beautiful city, full of elm trees, with parks. Also Yale College, from which Nathan Hale and Samuel Morse graduated. Your Reader, JOHN C. NEW HAVEN, CONN. P.S.--I am glad that you don't publish prize-fights. It is the nature of animals, not human beings. DEAR JOHN: