The Coming Cycle Light.

Te Aroha News, Volume XIV, Issue 2110, 14 June 1898, Page 2

The Coming Cycle Light.

With the electric light, ©oal gas, oil, and the incandescent mantle gas, contending with each other for popular favour and use, what appears to be a greater: illuminant than all these has arisen in acetylene gas. This light is but in its infancy, its properties and a cheap method of preparing; it having been discovered by chkmsilf- scarcely three years ago, and if used in some of the.first primitive appliances employed it is dangerous, and it has as yet scarcely, obtained a footing among its competitors. The-cycle trade, however, is “ on top ” in recent years, as the Yankees, to whom the new iliumihanfc is due, would say; and several firms engaged in developing the light of the future have already adapted it for use awheel. Thq^first of the acetylene gas cycle lamps were heavy and clumsy, a separate cylinder connected by flexible tubing with the lamp being fixed to the frame ofthe bicyle to/contain the calcium carbide and water which in contact-generate-the gas, An nxcellenfc acetylene cycle lamp, complete in itself and of no /gt eat-;'weight, is now, however, on the market. This is the ‘‘ Solar,” aud it lays claim to the distinction of being the best lamp in the world.' This claim is rather a large order, but those who hnve seen its brilliant pure, white light?of 100 candle power, throwing a clear light 100 feet head of the rider, will hesitate before disputing it. The receptacle containing the water and the calcium Garbide iscontained in a vessel at the bottom, of the lamp, which in the ordiuary variety holds the oil. / • The' water percolates drop by drop through a sponge made of a number of strands of worsted, and ic is thus regulated to filter from the water tank to the carbide container at the exact rate to produce the required light Safely. Garbide in any form from powdered to lump can be used. The container holds 4oz, costing 3d, and burning seven hours.