416 BELL 



able to begin, if possible, with such a moderate flying-weight 

 as to permit of the machine being flown as a kite. There would 

 be little difficulty then in raising it into the air ; and, should an 

 accident happen to the propelling machinery, the apparatus 

 would descend gently to the ground ; or the aviator could cast 

 anchor, and his machine would continue flying — as a kite — if 

 the wind should prove sufficient for its support. If it could fly, 

 as a kite, in a ten-mile breeze, then a velocity of only ten miles 

 an hour would be sufficient for its support as a flying maching 

 in calm air, while a less speed would suffice in heading into a 

 moderate wind. 



Such velocities would be consistent with safety in experi- 

 ments, especially if the flights should be made over water in- 

 stead of land, and at moderate elevations above the surface. 

 Under such circumstances the inevitable accidents which are 

 sure to happen during first experiments are hardly likely to be 

 followed by more serious consequences than a ducking to the 

 man, and the immersion of the machine. If the man is able to 

 swim, and the machine to float upon water, little damage need 

 be anticipated to either. 



There are two critical points in every aerial flight — its be- 

 ginning and its end. A flying machine adapted to float upon 

 water not only seems to afford a safe means of landing, but 

 also promises a solution of that most difficult of problems — a 

 safe method of launching the apparatus into the air. If the 

 supporting floats are so formed as to permit of the machine be- 

 ing propelled over the surface of the water like a motor boat, 

 then, if sufficient headway can be gained under the action of 

 her aerial propellers, the machine can be steered upwards into 

 the air, rising from the water, after the manner of a water bird, 

 in the face of the wind. This seems to be the safest method of 

 gaining access to the air ; but, of course, its practicability de- 

 pends upon possibilities of lightness and speed yet to be demon- 

 strated. 



In any event, if the machine, man and all, is light enough to 

 be flown as a kite, it can be towed out of the water into the air 

 through the agency of a motor boat ; and, upon land, it would 

 not even be necessary for it to gain headway before rising, for, 



