I BELIEVE that the automobile is more popular to-day than it has ever been, and is destined to become the most popular form of individual travel that it has ever been the privilege of the public to enjoy.

The popular car for family use is, I think, evolving into a type embodying substantially the following qualifications: First, ample room for four to five passengers; second, ample power, practically necessitating a four-cylinder engine; third, the car should be of moderate weight—say, 30 horse power or under. Another type which is also popular among people of more ample means is a large car of high power, capable of seating comfortably six or seven persons; this may be either of the four or six cylinder type, but in either case the cost of upkeep will be greater than that of a lighter and somewhat less commodius machine.

As to the six-cylinder motor, its chief advantage is its ability to run at somewhat slower speeds on the high gear. So far as actual power is concerned, the six-cylinder motor is unnecessary. It has a further disadvantage of taking up more room, and thereby necessitating a longer wheel base or a curtailment of space for passengers. It has also a further disadvantage of 50 per cent. more working parts, the upkeep of which will involve a larger expense. Notwithstanding these disadvantages, a number of six-cylinders will be purchased by people able to keep them. I believe, however, that it is prudent to place an interrogation point after the six-cylinder engine.