Along the main way on either side passed from time to time with great rapidity light vehicles of shining metal, each having three wheels, one small one in front and two much larger behind, with box-like seat and steering handle; otherwise resembling nothing so much as the velocipedes I have seen ridden for amusement by eccentric English youths.

It was clear, however, that these vehicles were not moved by any effort on the part of their drivers, and their speed was far greater than that of the swiftest mail-coach:--say, from fifteen to thirty miles an hour.

All risk of collision was avoided, as those proceeding in opposite directions took opposite sides of the road, separated by the raised centre I have described.

Crossing the road with caution, we came upon a number of small houses, perhaps twenty feet square, each standing in the midst of a garden marked out by a narrow ditch, some of them having at either side wings of less height and thrown a little backward.

In the centre of each, and at the end of the wings where these existed, was what seemed to be a door of some translucent material about twelve feet in height.