Page:Motors and motor-driving (1902).djvu/82

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MOTORS AND MOTOR-DRIVING

and, so far as the Serpollet is concerned, the cleanest water they can get.

One of the electric lamps for lighting the interior of a travelling motor-carriage should be movable and have a long wire, so that it can be placed behind one for reading purposes, and be used for searching in drawers. I never allow the mechanical portion of the motor-car to interfere with the interior of the carriage, a rule which experience has taught me to be very necessary. Your motor-car engineer as a rule gives but little heed to the carriage part of his vehicle; to him the engine is all in all, and he will not hesitate to thrust some of his oily belongings into the interior of one's vehicle unless such a rule as that which I have made is strictly laid down and sternly kept. So far as the outside of the car is concerned, on a long journey I do not go in for appearances, but I will not permit the inside to be disfigured with oily waste or black finger-marks.

The heating of such a carriage is not at all difficult to achieve by steam, but a very convenient warmer is known as the 'Instra.' It is, I believe, the invention of Lord Dundonald. It will be very well known to many readers as a small portable foot or hand warmer, consuming some form of charcoal. An ordinary carriage hot-water tin, however, does very well. Technically my carriage is known as a landaulet, and I am acquainted with no more delightful way of travelling in hot weather or indeed in winter. The advantage of such a carriage is that one is oblivious of the weather, and its only drawback (I do not refer to the Serpollet engine — that is dealt with elsewhere) is risk of side-slip.

As to touring, if one has a party it is pleasant to take two cars, one faster than the other. The fast one can be sent on ahead so that dinner and rooms for the night may be ordered. It is never wise on such a journey to attempt too great distances in the course of a day; personally, I am quite satisfied with a minimum of 120 miles, and in the short days of winter less is enough. To try a greater distance means very early rising or proceeding in the