PRACTICAL EXPERIMENTS IN SOARING. 197 



ratus of from 10 to 15 square meters in area, where other people can 

 but with difficulty manage an open umbrella. 



To all those who, by their own experience or otherwise, can form a 

 correct idea of the difficulties that present themselves, the instanta- 

 neous photograi^hs by Mr. Alexander Krajewsky, accompanying this 

 paper, may be of interest. 



In continuation of my formerly published experiments, I endeavor 

 with every uew trial to gain more complete control over the wind, and 

 without disregarding- any necessary precaution I have already suc- 

 ceeded in at least tem^iorarily retaiuiug a uniform level and even in 

 remaining- stationary in the wind for a few seconds. Tlje simplicity of 

 Diy flying- machine, which is controlled by shifting the center of gravity, 

 has compelled me to avoid strong- breezes, which however might pre- 

 sumably have aided in securing- a stationary position. During- my con 

 tinned flights, however, I have been at times surprised by a sudden 

 increase in the force of the wind which either carried me upward almost 

 perpendicularly or supjiorted me in a stationary position for a few 

 seconds to the great delight of the spectators. 



The freedom from accidents in these apparently daring attempts may 

 be considered proof that the apparatus already described offers ample 

 security in carrying out my plan of investigation. 



To those who, from a modest beginning and with gradually increased 

 extent and elevation of flight have gained full control over the appa- 

 ratus, it is not in the least dangerous to cross deep and broad ravines. 



It is a difficult task to convey to one who has never enjoyed aerial 

 flight a clear perception of the exhilerating pleasure of this elastic 

 motion. The elevation above the ground loses its terror, because we 

 have learned by experience what sure dependence may be placed upon 

 the buoyancy of the air. Gradual increase of the extent of these lofty 

 leaps accustoms the eye to look unconcernedly upon the landscape 

 below. To the mountain climber the uncomfortable sensation experi- 

 enced in trusting his foot into the slippery notch cut in the ice or to a 

 treacherous rubble above deep abysses, with other dangers t)f the most 

 terrifying nature, may often tend to lessen the enjoyment of the mag-- 

 nificent scenery. The dizziness caused by this, however, has nothing 

 in common with the sensation experienced by him who trusts himself 

 to the air; for the air demonstrates its buoyancy in not only separating 

 him from the depth below, but also in keeping him suspended over it. 

 Eesting upon the broad wings of a well-tested flying- machine, which, 

 yielding- to the least pressure of the body, obeys our directions,- sur- 

 rounded by air and supported only by the wind, a feeling of absolute 

 safety soon overcomes that of danger. 



One who has already practiced straight flights for some time will 



•naturally endeavor to next guide his apparatus in a lateral direction, 



and indeed there is nothing easier than the guiding of the aerodrome, 



which is accomplished by shifting the center of gravity. The steering 



