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POPULAR SCIENCE MOSTELY 



too short a Hue, so that she was blanketed by the big hull of the 

 steamer and therefore received but a small fraction of the wind of 

 motion. 



In spite of these two serious disadvantages, however, as the steamer 

 gathered headway, the great kite first trembled for a few moments, and 

 then rose gracefully from the water and flew steadily the full length 

 of her line. 



Fig. 19 shows the kite as she rose from the water after being lowed 

 a short distance. The rain was pouring down in such torrents at the 

 time that my other pictures were not successful. 



Fig. V^. Mahei. II. histnu i.vto the Aiu. 



The experiment was thus a success, and showed conclusively that 

 Dr. Bell has obtained a man-lifting kite, or flying machine, that will 

 rise of itself. If a pull will make the kite rise, there is no reason to 

 doubt that an equally powerful push, such as propellers would give, 

 would be equally successful in causing the kite to ascend.. 



Though the tests have proved that Mabel II. can easily carry a man 

 and engine, no actual ascents have been made this summer. When 

 ascensions are made the man will sit in the center of the open space 

 between the two bridges (see Fig. 16). 



One of the beauties of Dr. Bell's models is that in every one there 

 is a large roomy space in the center where the operator and his passen- 

 gers can sit. This position is much safer and more comfortable than 



