The Automobilist Abroad

Résumé

We have progressed appreciably beyond the days of the old horseless
carriage, which, it will be remembered, retained even the dashboard.
To-day the modern automobile somewhat resembles, in its outlines, across
between a decapod locomotive and a steam fire-engine, or at least
something concerning the artistic appearance of which the layman has very
grave doubts.
The control of a restive horse, a cranky boat, or even a trolley-car on rails is
difficult enough for the inexperienced, and there are many who would
quail before making the attempt; but to the novice in charge of an
automobile, some serious damage is likely enough to occur within an
incredibly short space of time, particularly if he does not take into account
the tremendous force and power which he controls merely by the moving
of a tiny lever, or by the depressing of a pedal.