Novel War Machine

Medical science continúes to invent nei# methods of saving Ufe, and military science new engines of destruction, and similarly each modern improvement in trausporting things for the good of mankind Is contemporary with improved transportation for killing purposes. Among the many new deviees for the latter purpose the most novel is the so called multicycle - a sort of compound veloclpoaa by wliich a squad of soldiere may all move together, have their baggage or ammunition with them and have a ready made breastwork when they stop. We present engravings of the machine in action and serving as a slight defense to the legs of the soldiers. The machine has been tried on the streets of London with apparent succes, and is now being severely tested at Aldershot by authority of the British War office. It is called a multicyclo because it usually carnes twelve men and can be constructed to tako sixteen. Our engraving gives a fair idea of its make up. It is an adaptation of the so called "Victoria," or four-in-hand quadricycle; the soldiers sit on it in single file, their guns strung on their back, and work on the treadles. A light cart may be attached at the rear. On the London streets ten miles an hour is the regular rate, but sixteen are often accomplished. It is claimed that the whole concern can turn around in no more space than is required by a cab, and that rough roads and steep grades can be traversed with no more trouble than the extra labor required. The steering man can give it & quick turn in an instant, and little trouble was experieneed even in the most crowded Btreets. Such are the reports of the London papers, and if the same success can be attained in the fields and on country roads, we may yet see the soldiers go riding iustead of walking. Oí course, fleld work proper must go on in the old way, but for rapid transfer of troops froni one eection to another the mnlticycle may prove a great success. Indeed, the idea of utilizing the velocípedo principie for long marches is one that readily soggests itself to any observen