Rensselaer Republican, Volume 20, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 December 1887 — A Prairie Yacht. [ARTICLE]

A Prairie Yacht.

Ufnneapolti Tribmne, For some time Mr. Henry F. Snedigar, of Iroquois, has been experimenting with what he called a wind-wagon, and at last has been successful in eo attaching a sail to an ordinary road wagom that the vehicle is rapidly propelled by the wind*. Mr. Snedigar was in the citj--a day or two since, and gave an exhibition of his wind-wagon. The sail was some six feet liigh, of three corner or jibsail shape. It was attached to a onehorse road wagon by a mast and stay ropes. men occupied the wagon; one managing the sail, the other did the steering. This was done by ropes fastened to the thills in such a manner

as to easily turn the front wheels to the right or left, quickly guiding it in the direction desired. The wagon and its two occupants*went through the streets at the rate of six miles an hour, when out of the business part of the city it was allowed to go from ten to twelve miles an hour, with a pretty stiff breeze. Mr. Snedigar came from Iroquois te Huron, a distance of eighteen miles, in an hour and a half, the wind blowing only slightiy. Mr. Snedigar says that when the wind has a velocity of twenty-, five milee an hour he can travel fr >sa twelve to fifteen miles with ease. The sail is so arranged t K at it can be used on either a heavy road wagon or light buggy. Hundreds of people witnessed the exhibition here, and were delighted with it. It is not unlikely that others will adopt this method of travel and sail wagons become numerous in this prairie country, where there is usually wind sufficient to furniEh the power, and where good roadiare always found.